REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Physio-Control, a leading provider of emergency medical response technologies worldwide, and the American Red Cross, the nation’s leading provider of hands-on emergency response and preparedness training, today announced that the two organizations have joined forces to help the public better prepare for and respond to sudden cardiac arrest, one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The partnership is aimed at improving public access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR & AED training programs. Moving forward, the Red Cross will offer Physio-Control AEDs, including the LIFEPAK CR® Plus, solutions and accessories in combination with Red Cross CPR/AED training and certification courses.
“We are looking forward to the partnership with Physio-Control and working together to help save lives,” said Michael J. Chaplo, vice president of Preparedness and Health and Safety Services for the Red Cross.
It is the expectation of both organizations that the partnership will strengthen public access defibrillation (PAD) programs by leveraging the Red Cross’ in-depth knowledge and expertise in working with emergency response and relief agencies, as well as the deep-rooted experience and leadership Physio-Control has in the workplace & community, emergency medical services (EMS) and hospital markets.
“The American Red Cross’ leadership in emergency response and preparedness training has had a positive impact on sudden cardiac arrest survival,” said Brian Webster, president and CEO, Physio-Control, Inc. “Together, the Red Cross and Physio-Control will continue to expand the use of AEDs by the public and first responders by providing the highest quality, most reliable, most innovative emergency medical products and services available.”
About Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Over 350,000 people will suffer sudden cardiac arrest this year. SCA is often caused by an electrical malfunction of the heart called ventricular fibrillation (VF). As a result, the heart muscle quivers ineffectively and becomes unable to pump blood through the body, resulting in death if not treated. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere and at any age.
A therapeutic shock from a defibrillator is the only effective treatment for restoring a regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. The Red Cross and Physio-Control both support the position that improved training and access to AEDs could save 50,000 lives each year and that all Americans should be within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it.
About Physio-Control
Physio-Control, Inc. is headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The company operates in over 100 countries and is the world’s leading provider of professional emergency medical response solutions that predict or intervene in life-threatening emergencies. To learn more visit www.physio-control.com, www.facebook.com/physiocontrolinc or follow us on Twitter at @PhysioControl.
