InformHouston.com

Mayor Annise Parker has joined Houston Fire Department (HFD) Chief Terry Garrison, Emergency Medical Services Director David Persse, M.D., and ZOLL Medical Corporation President Jonathan Rennert to announce a partnership that will provide HFD firefighters with use of the ZOLL AutoPulse® Non-Invasive Cardiac Support Pump.

The AutoPulse is an advanced life-saving device that provides consistent, high-quality chest compressions and hands-free support that saves critical seconds when paramedics and EMTs are resuscitating victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The devices, accessories, and training, worth an estimated $3.8 million, will be provided at no cost to the city.

HFD emergency personnel performed outstandingly in an international randomized clinical trial in which preliminary indications demonstrate that the automated CPR device performed as well as high-quality manual CPR. Based on their participation, Zoll officials determined HFD would be a great partner in the advancement of the technology.

“The Houston Fire Department has a history of leading in emergency medical advances in a way that has served our citizens well,” said Mayor Parker. “Houstonians will benefit from a technology that has proven to save lives and has great potential to save even more lives in the future.”

Each year, Houston emergency personnel, with a staff of 3800 EMS trained firefighters, treat an average of 1800 victims of SCA, the world’s leading cause of death, which strikes without warning. SCA is an abrupt disruption of the heart’s function that causes a lack of blood flow to vital organs. High-quality, uninterrupted chest compressions are vital to maintaining blood-flow to the heart and brain. Currently, only about 5 percent of victims survive; 95 percent will die from SCA. Houston benefits from an excellent EMS system with a survival rate that is at least double that estimate.

“Our primary goal is to save as many lives as we can. This device can potentially help us advance our efforts to resuscitate more victims from cardiac arrest,” said Dr. Persse.

“The quality of work performed by Houston firefighters is truly unsurpassed by any other large EMS provider system in the world. The Houston Fire Department is a rare blend of a large service that not only delivers a high level of care to its citizens, but has a history of improving the level of care it gives through involvement with leading edge research,” said ZOLL President Jonathan Rennert. “We envision a future where ZOLL continues to collaborate with the Houston Fire Department on new life-savings technologies.”

In addition to helping improve outcomes from SCA, the AutoPulse helps keep rescuers safe and frees their hands for other life-saving tasks.

The clinical trial conducted in Houston also involved cities throughout the U.S. and Europe. Final conclusions from the trial are pending.

About the Houston Fire Department
HFD is the fourth largest fire department in the United States and is responsible for preserving life and property to a population of more than 2 million in an area totaling 617 square miles. In 2011, the HFD renewed its claim as the world's largest accredited fire department. Over the last few years, HFD has evolved into a highly sophisticated public safety rescue system that has saved hundreds of lives and reduced the severity of countless injuries and illnesses. The Houston Fire Department has a vision that guides the organization towards excellence. That goal is achieved through deliberate planning, adaptability and the courage to embrace challenges and opportunities.

About ZOLL Medical Corporation
ZOLL Medical Corporation develops and markets medical devices and software solutions that help advance emergency care and save lives, while increasing clinical and operational efficiencies. With products for defibrillation and monitoring, circulation and CPR feedback, data management, fluid resuscitation, and therapeutic temperature management, ZOLL provides a comprehensive set of technologies that help clinicians, EMS and fire professionals, and lay rescuers treat victims needing resuscitation and critical care.

A NASDAQ Global Select company and a Forbes 100 Most Trustworthy Company in 2007, 2008, and 2009, ZOLL develops and manufactures its products in the United States, in California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. More than 400 direct sales and service representatives, 1,100 business partners, and 200 independent representatives serve our customers in over 140 countries around the globe. For more information, visit www.zoll.com.

Copyright © 2011 ZOLL Medical Corporation. All rights reserved. 269 Mill Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824-4105. AutoPulse and ZOLL are trademarks or registered trademarks of ZOLL Medical Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.