Michael Tighe, 62, and his wife Delores were headed to sunny California from their native Boston on an American Airlines flight. Delores was scheduled to attend a nursing convention and both planned on visiting with one of their four daughters. Their travels took a dramatic turn and, lucky for the Tighes, the airline was prepared.
"I really don't remember any of it. I was watching the movie and I passed out," says Michael. He collapsed in his seat, one arm falling to the side. Delores knew by the way that his arm dangled that something was wrong. It was obvious Michael had stopped breathing and Delores couldn't get a pulse. She immediately began performing CPR. "Then the flight attendant was there," Delores said, "with this box." As the flight crew and Delores attempted to move Michael to the floor, nearby passengers also offered to help. The flight crew attached the pads of the automated external defibrillator (AED) to Michael's torso. The AED detected a shockable rhythm and verbally instructed the responders to press the shock button. After administering five shocks, Michael began breathing again. Michael Tighe became the first person to be saved in-flight from sudden cardiac arrest. The lifesaving AED had been installed only three days earlier.
The Tighes are very familiar with defibrillators and how they can save victims who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. In fact, Michael, who is community affairs director for the Boston Public Health Commission, has played a key role in driving the city's efforts to place AEDs in public locations such as office buildings, hotels, malls, and sports arenas. Today, his campaigning takes on a new meaning - his pitch truly comes from the heart.
Michael is outspoken when it comes to having AEDs on planes. "It's very gratifying that somewhere, someone convinced American Airlines to put them in. Because someone convinced the airline, I'm alive today."
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