Easy-to-use defibrillator
April 1st 2007 Laerdal Medical will be showing its high-tech range of emergency medical care equipment and training aids at this year's Fire & Rescue show (22 to 24 May, NEC). Central to the company's product portfolio is the reliable and robust HeartStart FRx automatic external defibrillator (AED). In about 85% of cardiac arrests, the heart simply loses its rhythm and goes into ventricular fibrillation. In this condition, a defibrillator can safely shock the heart back into a regular beating pattern. Laerdal says that, if administered within 2 to 3min of collapse, the chances of the victim surviving are increased by up to 50%. The HeartStart FRx version can be used on any terrain (including metal floors), in extreme weather conditions, and can withstand jetting water (loads to 250kg). It can also withstand a drop of 1m to a concrete floor. Jonathan Smart, MD of Laerdal Medical, says "As there is such a short window of time in which to increase the chance of survival of sudden cardiac arrest victims through CPR and defibrillation, it makes sense that emergency responders are equipped with an AED." More articles from Laerdal Medical Ltd: | 
