Arlington County will become the first in Virginia to use state-of-the-art defibrillators to better diagnose heart attacks in the field starting this fall, the fire department said on Friday.
Members of the Arlington County Fire Department are now training to use LIFEPAK 35 monitor/defibrillators. The department bought 37 of the lightweight devices that are designed to enhance CPR performance and expedite critical care, the department said.
The LIFEPAK 35 can rapidly transmit data to hospitals, giving first responders better analysis. With a digital touchscreen and live view 12-lead/15-lead EKG with advanced insights, the department said it will significantly improve the diagnosis of heart attacks.
“This equipment will allow the Arlington County Fire Department to continue to deliver high-quality emergency medical services to the visitors and residents of Arlington County well into the future,” said Fire Chief David Povlitz. “This equipment will undoubtedly save lives.”
The purchase of the LIFEPAK 35 units is part of the department’s $3.6 million investment in new technology. Other technology the fire department is investing in includes 19 Lucas chest compression systems and 12 CR2 Defibrillators.
Feature image courtesy Arlington County Fire Department
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s News newsletter.
