Staff Training Helps Save a Life at Pasadena Convention Center

November 30, 2014

It was a typical busy day at the Pasadena Convention Center in October when public safety officers Zabrina Patterson and Max Pitpan heard frantic calls for help over their hand-held radios.

Without hesitation, Zabrina and Max responded to where one of their co-workers was experiencing a sudden serious medical emergency.

 At that moment, Patterson and Pitpan relied on their regular training they receive as part of their employment with the Pasadena Center Operating Company. The training provided them with the skills and knowledge to save a life.

 The two worked in tandem to assess the victim, secure the scene, call paramedics and get the automated external defibrillator operational to treat a possible sudden cardiac arrest.

“One of the first paramedics on the scene let us know that Max and Zabrina's actions probably saved their co-worker’s life,” said Peter DeClerk, operations manager for the Pasadena Center Operating Company.

 “The event staff at PCOC is tasked with responding to accidents and injuries and is trained in CPR AED and First Aid. This is the one training we all hope we never have to use,” he said.

DeClerk added, “However, we also hope that when the time comes, the training will come back to us and we'll able to handle a life-threatening emergency. Max and Zabrina learned first-hand that the training works and that it can save lives in a real world emergency.”

Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, SCA usually causes death if it's not treated within minutes, and each minute of SCA leads to a 10 percent reduction in the probability of survival. Using an AED on a person who is having SCA may save the person's life.

Patterson and Pitpan were recognized for their heroic actions recently (October, 2014) as X-Cellence Award winners by the Pasadena Center Operating Company. The award is presented quarterly to PCOC employees who display world-class service.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact