Norwalk Hospital and the Gudis Family Donate 100 Cardiac Science AEDs to Connecticut Communities

Norwalk Hospital and the Gudis family donated 100 Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 AEDs to five communities in Connecticut—New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton—to enable anyone, from first-time users to professional rescuers, to quickly respond to a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) incident.

The goal of placing AEDs in public-access areas started after Mark Gudis, a trustee of Norwalk Hospital, helped in the rescue of a 17-year-old student who collapsed during a high school soccer match. The student, a spectator at the game, was on the field during halftime when he suffered a SCA. Mark Gudis, who keeps an AED in his vehicle, rushed the unit to the field where athletic trainers, other parents, and he used the AED to rescue the student.

"We were very fortunate to have a favorable outcome," Mark Gudis said. "Given this near-tragedy, and similar past occurrences in our communities, it is apparent we need more AEDs in our schools, on our athletic fields, and in our community centers."

"This donation creates the first regionalized public-access AED program in our area, in addition to training more individuals in CPR," said Matt Soicher, Norwalk Hospital's director of Emergency Medical Services. "There's always a way to get an AED to somebody sooner, and that's what we're looking to do with this project."

Matt Soicher worked with the town leaders and school boards in the five Connecticut communities to determine where the new AEDs can best be deployed. Approximately half of the units will be placed indoors at schools and sports facilities. The remaining units will be installed outdoors, in protective cabinets, for use at sports fields, parks, and golf courses. The Norwalk public beaches, at some distance from EMS services, will also have multiple AEDs, Matt Soicher said. Additionally, the Norwalk Hospital and the Gudis family are working to provide CPR and AED training and certification to high school students and other members of these communities.

Cardiac Science President, Al Ford, congratulated Norwalk Hospital and the Gudis family on increasing community access to AEDs.

"More and more communities are recognizing the need for public-access AEDs at sporting events and large gatherings," Al Ford said. "We designed the Powerheart G5 AED to make it possible for coaches, trainers, teachers and bystanders to provide immediate life-saving assistance."

The Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 unit is the first FDA-cleared AED to offer a combination of automatic shock delivery, dual-language functionality, variable escalating energy and rapid shock times.

About Cardiac Science

Cardiac Science develops, manufactures, and markets automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and related parts, components and accessories. The company also provides a comprehensive portfolio of training, maintenance, and support services for AED customers. Cardiac Science is headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The company has operations in North America, Europe and Asia and has an installed base of over 500,000 units in nearly 100 countries worldwide. For information, call 1.800.426.0337 or visit http://www.cardiacscience.com.

For media questions, contact Ric Kositzke at +1.262.953.7624.

About Norwalk Hospital
Norwalk Hospital is a partner hospital of the Western Connecticut Health Network, Connecticut's premier, patient-centered health care organization. Norwalk Hospital was established in 1893 by our devoted community and built for the people we continue to serve in Western Connecticut and adjacent New York. The 325-bed hospital is a place where patients always come first, where our talented staff takes pride in keeping people well and provide compassionate, contemporary care when our patients need our help. We take heart that no matter how great the challenge, every medical history can become a brighter medical future– here.

Joining Norwalk Hospital in the WCHN organization are Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital and a continuum of outpatient health and wellness services offered by numerous medical practices and sub-specialties across the region through the Western Connecticut Medical Group and the Western Connecticut Home Care.  Committed to learning and innovation, our hospitals collaborate with the University of Vermont Medical College and many other well-known academic institutions to promote the most progressive care possible. The nationally renowned WCHN Research Institute, the Norwalk Hospital Foundation and other affiliates complete the WCHN family where We Know You Well!  For more information, visit TheNewWCHN.org.  Share your comments with us at Facebook.com/NorwalkHospital; Facebook.com/DanburyHospital; and Facebook.com/NewMilfordHospital.

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SOURCE Cardiac Science Corporation

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