Austin-Travis County EMS Rolls Out New Cardiac Monitors

New cardiac monitors that Austin-Travis County EMS has rolled out promises to deliver patients' heart information wirelessly to doctors and hospitals faster than ever.

On Thursday, the department started integrating the new monitors, which replace ones purchased in 1999. Monitors will be on every ambulance and command vehicle and hook up to patients who might have heart problems. Like the old versions, the new devices will monitor essential heart information, but have the capabilities of delivering information wirelessly. This allows doctors to potentially assess the patients' conditions from their smartphones before patients arrive at the hospital.

"It could make the difference between life or death," said agency spokesman Warren Hassinger. "This will save lives."

The new, lighter devices can also measure both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels in the body, which has already helped a family last week that didn't realize that they were being exposed to toxic chemicals from their home's broken stove, officials said.

"This is a huge technological advancement that will be a great benefit," said agency spokesman Michael Benavides.

The device also gives medics real-time audio and visual feedback about how well they're performing CPR by measuring the ventilation and compression. Medics can also tailor the device to specific patient profiles like women and children.

The 79 devices are being purchased with budget money from fiscal years 2013 and 2014 earmarked for equipment replacement, officials said. Each of the devices cost about $25,000.

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