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Hotel Executive Dies in D.C. When Gym Defibrillator Fails

The general manager of the Hamilton Crowne Plaza Hotel in Washington, D. C., died after collapsing at a gym.  Efforts to resusitate Ralph Polanec failed because the batteries of the automated external defibrillator at the Balance Gym were dead and removed from the unit.  

Prolanec's autopsy revealed his death was caused by hypertension and atherosclerotic disease, a condition that blocks blood flow in the arteries, according to a spokesperson from D.C.'s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.  The manner of his death was natural.

Could a working AED have prevented Polanec's death?  We will never know, because this AED was not properly working when it was needed.  Defibrillators are useless if not properly maintained.  It is critical the batteries and pads are checked on a regular basis.

According to Craig Goldenfarb, the National Chairperson of the Automated External Defibrillator Litigation Group of the American Association of Justice, it is ironic that hotels have chosen not to have defibrillators, and AEDs are required only in some types of facilities, with requirements varying in different states. 

For more information, call the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb at 800-GOLD-LAW.

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