Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Purchases Cardiac Science Automated External Defibrillators
IRVINE, Calif., March 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cardiac Science Inc (Nasdaq: DFIB - news), a leading developer and manufacturer of life-saving, automated public access defibrillators (AEDs), today announced that it was selected to outfit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta with 70 AEDs. The Cardiac Science AEDs have been deployed throughout the CDC's Atlanta campus, including its fitness facilities.
AEDs are easy-to-use automated devices designed to quickly and easily provide a life-saving electric defibrillation shock to restore normal heart rhythm to a sudden cardiac arrest victim. AEDs are used by first responders such as police, fire and ambulance personnel, and are also being deployed for use by the public at places where people gather, play and work.
Cardiac Science won the CDC contract over two competing AED manufacturers based on the Company's history of excellent customer service and the AED product's RescueReady® technology and unique features including one button operation, pre-connected disposable electrode pads and self-test capabilities, said President and CEO Raymond W. Cohen. Prior to the recent purchase of 70 devices, the CDC fitness centers have successfully used Survivalink®-brand AED products for two years.
In recent weeks, Cardiac Science has also announced the sale of AEDs to U.S. Government-operated facilities within the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Social Security Administration, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Navy Reserve.
A host of AED-related bills, currently being introduced at the federal level and in state governments across the nation, will likely have a positive impact on annual AED market projections that currently range from $140 million in 2000 to $650 million in 2006. Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a Technical Information Bulletin and information resource outlining the potential benefits of workplace AED Programs. OSHA will distribute this information to more than 125 trade, professional and union organizations. These documents can be accessed via the Internet at osha.gov
Sudden cardiac arrest, typically caused by an abnormally rapid or chaotic heart rhythm, kills over 450,000 Americans each year making it a major unsolved public health problem and the leading cause of death in the United States. Currently, a person who suffers sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital has only around a 5 percent chance of surviving. Clinical studies have revealed that survival rates upwards of 70 percent are possible when an AED is readily available and used to shock a victim within 3 minutes from the onset of cardiac arrest. At the present time, only half of the nation's ambulance services, less than 15 percent of emergency service fire units, and less than 2 percent of police vehicles are equipped with AEDs.
About the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, located in Atlanta, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people -- at home and abroad, providing credible information to enhance health decisions, and promoting health through strong partnerships. CDC serves as the national focus for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.
CDC seeks to accomplish its mission by working with partners throughout the nation and world to monitor health, detect and investigate health problems, conduct research to enhance prevention, develop and advocate sound public health policies, implement prevention strategies, promote healthy behaviors, foster safe and healthful environments, and provide leadership and training. CDC has developed and sustained many vital partnerships with public and private entities that improve service to the American people. The workforce of CDC is comprised of approximately 8,500 people working in 170 disciplines with a public health focus. Although CDC's national headquarters is in Atlanta, more than 2,000 CDC employees work at other locations, including 47 state health departments.
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