Life-Saving Defibrillator Donated To Town

EAST HAVEN, CT — They can save a life lives. And now, the In A Heartbeat Foundation has chosen East Haven as a recipient of an Automated External Defibrillator, or an AED.

'In a Heartbeat' president Mike Papale met with East Haven officials Thursday at Town Hall to make the presentation.

In A Heartbeat was founded in 2015 by Papale to raise money and awareness for sudden cardiac arrest and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, to spread the word about the importance of CPR and AEDs and to provide emergency training to organizations.

In 2006 at age 17, Papale experienced sudden cardiac arrest. There was no AED on site, but fortunately, an EMT working nearby was able to get to him in time, performing CPR for eight minutes and saving his life.

Papale was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart muscle, and had a defibrillator implanted into his chest. Without an AED on site, doctors said his chance of survival was one in a million.

“I want to thank everyone involved – especially the Papale’s who are friends; they have worked hard to educate so many about the dangerous situation that they faced as a family. Their efforts are so important and greatly appreciated," East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora said.

He also praised his assistant Fran Perri for her efforts to "find ways to enhance our community."

"This is another example of how the private and public sectors can work together,” Carfora said.

Thursday, Carfora, Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli, Asst. Chief Chuck Licata, Public Works Superintendent of Operations Charlie Coyle, Perri, Benefits and Risks Manager Danelle Feeley and Union President Ray Marsico met with Papale to accept the new AED on behalf of the town.

East Haven’s donated defibrillator will be located at the Department of Public Works.