January 2005 Hot Shots

Automatic Chest Compressions

Chest compressions are an important part of how you treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest, but they take a rescuer away from other important things he could be doing. ZOLL’s AutoPulse noninvasive cardiac support pump is an FDA-approved device that offers the potential of restoring near-normal blood flow levels in SCA victims. The automated, portable AutoPulse is a battery-operated electromechanical platform with a disposable band that fastens across a victim’s chest. It compresses the entire chest in a consistent, optimal “hands-free” manner, moving much more blood than manual chest compressions. Additionally, it offers the benefit of freeing up rescuers to focus on other lifesaving interventions. For more information, call 978/421-9655, or visit www.zoll.com.

Rapid Recharging

In emergency situations, battery life is critical. However, a battery’s ability to be quickly recharged can be a major limitation to providing consistent, quality care. Impact Instrumentation offers a solution with its new Model 811 Battery Pack Rapid Charger. The Rapid Charger recharges Uni-Vent Models 754 and 750 Portable Ventilators and Model 326 Portable Aspirator batteries in less than five hours—a fraction of the time it takes using standard chargers. Battery packs plug directly into the easy-to-use Rapid Charger; features include auto-sensing of line and voltage frequency and an LED indicator signaling the batteries’ recharging state. For more information, call 973/882-1212, or visit www.impactinstrumentation.com.

High-Visibility Jacket

Gerber Outerwear’s RGV is a breathable, waterproof, waist-length jacket that is impervious to bloodborne pathogens, NFPA 1999/2003-certified, resistant to common chemicals and accented with ArmorLITE reflective fabric. ArmorLITE utilizes genuine 3M Scotchlite reflective yarn woven into a rugged nylon fabric that appears black during the day and reflects bright white at night. Unlike imprinted reflective accents, ArmorLITE will not wear off with abrasion or washing. Additional features include microphone tabs, large pockets and a removable Thinsulate/fleece thermal liner. There is a five-year factory warranty, and Gerber is ISO 9001:2000-registered. For more information, call 800/GERBER-1, or visit www.gerberouterwear.com.