Philips Introduces Rugged, Easy-to-Use HeartStart FRx Defibrillator; F

Philips Introduces Rugged, Easy-to-Use HeartStart FRx Defibrillator; Features New Advancements in AED Technology

    Medical Writers/Business Editors

    ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 1, 2005--Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG)(AEX:PHI) today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its HeartStart FRx Defibrillator that is designed for reliability, exceptional ruggedness, and ease of use. This automated external defibrillator (AED) is targeted at those who first get to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) -- and potentially save a life. The Philips HeartStart FRx Defibrillator was designed to be versatile enough to handle extreme weather and various environmental conditions, and easy enough to be used successfully by responders who have minimal AED training.
    With HeartStart FRx, Philips introduces the following advancements in AED technology:

--	Wireless Data Transfer. A first in defibrillation technology, HeartStart FRx provides a mobile, wireless palmOne(TM) compatible software solution for data management. The FRx features an infrared data port that facilitates easy transmission of defibrillator information at the scene, leaving the defibrillator in service.
--	Infant/Child Key. The Infant/Child Key signals to the device that a rescuer is treating an infant or small child. When the key is inserted, the defibrillator adjusts to provide infant/child CPR and AED instructions; the pads icons on the front of the device flashes to show the responder the appropriate pad placement; and the device reduces the shock energy to a level more appropriate for an infant or small child.
--	SMART Pads II. Designed for use with the HeartStart FRx, SMART Pads II are highly versatile. Because of the Infant/Child key, the FRx does not require separate infant/child pads to reduce the shock energy for children, so no time is wasted in switching or checking pad sets. With available adapters, SMART Pads II are also compatible with many advanced life support (ALS) defibrillators, making transfer to emergency medical services fast and easy.

    As with other Philips HeartStart Defibrillators, FRx provides several features important to responders who might be first on the scene of a cardiac emergency, including law enforcement officers, teachers or coaches at a school, or employees in other work environments. Clear, calm voice commands guide the responder through every step of the defibrillation process, even reminding them to call for emergency help. In addition, SMART Pads technology enables FRx to adjust the pace of the voice instructions to match the individual responder's actions. The device also features CPR Coaching, patented voice instructions for adult and infant/child CPR that provide reminders and audio cues for each breath, as well as the appropriate number, rate and depth of chest compressions.
    Designed to surpass rigorous testing requirements, HeartStart FRx is manufactured to resist the bumps, drops, inclement weather, and other environmental hazards often associated with mobile or outdoor use.
    "Equipping our officers, who are often first on the scene, with automated external defibrillators enables them to be prepared for a sudden cardiac arrest emergency in our community," said Commander Willard Lathrop of the Auburn Police Department in Auburn, Wash. "The rugged, 'go-anywhere' nature of HeartStart FRx is well suited to our needs because cardiac arrest is unpredictable, and sometimes occurs in extreme conditions. Also, since responding to medical emergencies isn't part of an officer's everyday routine, we appreciate its ease-of-use. We intend to be one of the first police forces in the country to install the HeartStart FRx in our squad cars."
    Defibrillators provide treatment for the most common cause of SCA, which claims 340,000 lives each year. Today, fewer than five percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive, largely because defibrillators do not get to them in time. For each minute that passes before defibrillation therapy reaches a victim, the chance for survival decreases by about 10 percent. After 10 minutes, few attempts at resuscitation are successful.
    "Philips is committed to developing new solutions that advance resuscitation technology. We seek to ease the intensity of an emergency situation for every individual who may be involved," said Deborah DiSanzo, vice president and general manager for cardiac resuscitation at Philips Medical Systems. "With the addition of FRx to the portfolio of HeartStart Defibrillators, Philips has delivered important innovations to the marketplace, including an Infant/Child Key that enables one set of pads to be used on any victim, and wireless data transfer, which will facilitate the communication of vital medical information to emergency professionals."
    To support customers with their implementation of HeartStart FRx Defibrillators, Philips offers HeartStart Essentials, a suite of services and tools, including medical direction, training, and program management software. Pre-implementation consulting provides program administrators and medical directors with site assessments to help them determine the number and location of defibrillators at each site, as well as guidelines for creating the program's structure, policies and procedures. Philips has partnerships with several national training organizations to provide a customized training program to meet customers' requirements.

    About Royal Philips Electronics

    Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE:PHG)(AEX:PHI) is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of $ 37.66 Billion (EUR 30.3 billion) in 2004. With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 161,500 employees in more than 60 countries, it has market leadership positions in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, color television sets, electric shavers, lighting and silicon system solutions. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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CONTACT: Philips Medical Systems Heidi Wilson, 978-659-7302 Heidi.Wilson@philips.com or Steve Kelly, 425-487-7479 Steve.Kelly@philips.com

KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE MEDICAL DEVICES MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE PRODUCT SOURCE: Royal Philips Electronics

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