By Corrections1 Staff
Portable automated external defibrillators and ALS monitors are becoming essential public safety equipment in all institutions; and the technology behind these devices is constantly pushing forward. The latest devices shown at EMS Today 2009 in Baltimore feature rugged design, clear and accurate monitoring, wireless data transfer capabilities, and added userability options.
Philips Healthcare
 The Philips HeartStart MRx |
At the center of the modern looking Philips Healthcare booth was the HeartStart MRx ALS Monitor, which highlighted new enhancements to diagnose STEMI and analyze 12-lead ECG. The rugged monitor features a large, bright, full-color display screen that can toggle between critical information, 12-lead ECG, and a combined monitor view.
The HeartStart also boasts a battery life that is three times longer than its competitors, according to a Philips representative. Using a lithium ion battery, it reportedly provides “5 hours of monitoring per battery and 2 battery bays,” according to the Web site.
Philips also offers a line of HeartStart AEDs. These small, portable devices are almost half the price of a monitor, and are ideal for certain situations or for smaller organizations. For more information, visit http://www.medical.philips.com/us/.
Physio-Control
 The Physio-Control LIFEPAK 15 |
Just attaining FDA approval last week, Physio-Control was in a prime position to promote its new LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillator . Using feedback from LIFEPAK 12, the new monitor boasts increased durability and functionality.
Physio partnered up with Masimo this time around to incorporate the company’s Rainbow SET technology for noninvasive CO and hemoglobin screening.
LIFEPAK 15 was tested for about 100,000 hours in water, wind, rain, and general abuse conditions in Physio’s special durability lab. The monitor features a dual-layer screen protector that has a sturdy, replaceable outside shell — as demonstrated by an automatic hammer hitting the screen every two seconds at the booth.
The monitor also features a “black-to-white” option that switches color contrast at the press of a button to increase visibility when under direct sunlight. For more information, visit http://www.checkoutthefuture.com/.
ZOLL Medical
 ZOLL Medical’s E Series Defibrillator |
ZOLL’s defibrillators sport “Real CPR Help,” an intuitive system that will track chest compressions and rate and depth in real time. The system also features a filter that organizes rhythms and can filter out CPR artifacts.
The new Propaq LT monitor, from Welch Allyn, was also debuted at the ZOLL Booth, featuring a lightweight construction and a flexible monitor that displays ECG, SPO2 and noninvasive blood pressure. ZOLL’s E Series defibrillator and compact AED Pro were also on display. For more information about ZOLL products, visit http://www.zoll.com/.