Defibtech AEDs Meet New AHA “Hands-Only” CPR Guidelines

Voice prompts clearly direct both lay and professional rescuers according to new guidelines

Guilford, Conn. – April 16, 2008 – Defibtech’s automated external defibrillators (AEDs) meet the American Heart Association’s new “hands-only” CPR guidelines, the company announced today.  Unlike many units currently being sold, all Defibtech AEDs provide voice prompts to rescuers that are consistent with these latest AHA guidelines and are appropriate for both lay and professional users.

“Defibtech’s Lifeline® and ReviveR™ automated external defibrillators remain current with the new AHA guidelines because of the foresight and flexibility we built into them,” said Defibtech CEO Dr. Glenn Laub. “Our customers have lifesaving defibrillators that will never become obsolete as researchers gain new insights into sudden cardiac arrest and resuscitation techniques.”

If guidelines change in the future, Defibtech AEDs can be updated for free by users where the units are deployed, unlike many other units in the market that must be sent back to the factory for costly updates. “This ability to update AEDs easily enables customers to stay current with new guidelines and reduces maintenance costs,” said Dr. Laub.

New guidelines emphasize chest compressions rather than mouth-to-mouth breaths

The new AHA guidelines emphasize the importance of calling for help and delivering hands-only CPR rather than conventional CPR, which includes mouth-to-mouth breaths. The AHA now recommends hands-only CPR because research shows that Americans not trained in CPR are more likely to perform hands-only CPR than conventional CPR. AHA research also found that those with CPR training find hands-only CPR easier to remember and perform with confidence. More information about the new guidelines can be found at http://www.americanheart.org/handsonlycpr.

While some defibrillators on the market continue to prompt for mouth-to-mouth breathing, the Defibtech AEDs do not, in accordance with the new guidelines. “We encourage all rescue teams to note the importance of hard and fast compressions focused at the center of the chest, with minimal interruptions,” Dr Laub said.

The Defibtech AED first directs the rescuer to “call for help,” consistent with a primary AHA guideline. After the rescuer places the pads on the victim, the AED automatically analyzes the victim to determine if the patient has an abnormal rhythm associated with sudden cardiac arrest. After delivering a shock to a victim in arrest, the defibrillator instructs the rescuer to “begin CPR now” and starts a voice-prompted two-minute countdown—also in accordance with AHA guidelines—instructing the rescuer at 15-second intervals to continue CPR. After the first two-minute CPR cycle, the defibrillator again assesses the victim’s heart rhythm and, if required, delivers a shock followed by additional voice prompts instructing additional two-minute CPR cycles.

Fast growth and product design awards demonstrate Defibtech’s leadership in AED industry

Defibtech was named North America’s fastest-growing medical equipment company by Deloitte’s prestigious 2007 Technology Fast 500 Program. The Defibtech AED has earned several major product design awards, including the Best Bang for the Buck Award from Frost & Sullivan, an AED industry analyst. The AED’s outstanding design also was recognized by The Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA), which selected the Lifeline to be in its “SAFE: Design Takes On Risk” exhibit.

About Defibtech

Defibtech relentlessly pursues one goal: making the best automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the world at affordable prices. Defibtech designs and manufactures the FDA-cleared Lifeline® and ReviveR™ brand AEDs and related accessories. Defibtech’s products are sold through its network of distribution partners in the United States and around the world. Defibtech is headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut and manufactures all of its defibrillators in the United States in a state-of-the-art ISO 13485:2003 certified facility. For more information about Defibtech and its products, visit www.defibtech.com or call 1-866-DEFIB-4-U (1-866-333-4248).

Contacts
Defibtech, LLC
Greg Slusser
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
866-333-5641
greg@defibtech.com

For General Inquiries and Support:
Defibtech Sales:
866-333-4248
sales@defibtech.com