News

EMS-TV to deploy 8,000 life-saving kiosks

March 20, 2005

NEW YORK - Emergency Medical Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of medical rescue devices and producers of EMS-TV, has announced a multi-million dollar contract with the Lexington Group to deploy an estimated 8,000 EMS-TV kiosks throughout Europe within the next 18 months. The EMS-TV kiosks contain automated external defibrillators. This contract represents the largest AED purchase and program ever implemented, according to a news report. C. Kevin Coonce, EMSI's president and chief executive officer, said, "EMS-TV Network allows companies and organizations to assist in the deployment of this life-saving network through sponsorship displays which appear on the kiosks' screen when the network is not in emergency use. Companies and organizations worldwide deeply care about the safety of not only their own employees and customers, but about the health and safety of the general public. I feel this is a wonderful way for companies to give back to the community. They will actually be giving someone back their life. It does not get any better than that." When a user initiates contact with the kiosk, a paramedic appears on the screen and interacts via live video and audio. If the paramedic determines that the user requires the AED, they can release the device remotely and alert local emergency personnel. AEDs are becoming increasingly popular in public access environments. In the United States alone it is estimated that approximately 450,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest each year. The only treatment for sudden cardiac arrest is defibrillation. The victim's chances of survival decrease by 10 percent each minute defibrillation is delayed. Thousands of lives can be saved each year by making AEDs available in public areas for immediate use. Mark Maloney, EMSI's executive vice president, said "This contract combined with approximately 10,000 additional locations in the U.S. is a true testament to the lifesaving value of the EMS-TV Network. There has never been a network in existence which provides a lifesaving service while at the same time advertising for the sponsors."