MedStar EMS, the 911 provider of Fort Worth, and 14 surrounding cities, has outfitted its fleet of emergency vehicles with Philips HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillators with Q-CPR technology, to enhance care for patients with cardiac emergencies. The Philips HeartStart MRx is a monitor/defibrillator with specialized features and capabilities designed to meet the technical and environmental demands of emergency responders. The HeartStart MRx provides advanced functionality and features the longest battery-powered operating time, as well as the largest color display and fastest time to shock of any monitor/defibrillator.
MedStar is equipping every MRx with Q-CPR, the first comprehensive technology that provides real-time cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) monitoring and feedback for advanced life support (ALS) - trained responders. Q-CPR, available only on the HeartStart MRx, offers medical professionals feedback on the rate and depth of chest compressions, as well as the frequency and quality of ventilations (breaths), assisting them in adjusting their technique, as needed, to improve CPR performance. MedStar has the single largest Q-CPR EMS purchase to date in the U.S.
"Our focus at MedStar is to provide the highest quality of emergency care for the citizens we serve, said Chris Cebollero, Clinical Services Manager at MedStar EMS. "As part of that focus, we are constantly evaluating new technologies that have the potential to improve patient care and survival. The HeartStart MRx with Q-CPR technology will help our emergency responders deliver highest quality CPR and early defibrillation consistently, even in the most stressful and fast-paced environments.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) often results from an electrical malfunction of the heart which causes it to quiver rather than pump in a normal rhythm. It is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., claiming more than 325,000 lives each year. Defibrillation is recognized as the definitive treatment for the most common cause of SCA, and the American Heart Association estimates that 40,000 more lives could be saved annually if immediate, effective CPR was performed and AEDs were more widely available. Early CPR and defibrillation together with good post-resuscitation care can improve survival rates substantially.
About MedStar
MedStar is the exclusive 9-1-1 and non-emergency ambulance provider for the City of Fort Worth and the member cities of Blue Mound, Burleson, Forest Hill, Haltom City, Haslet, Lakeside, Lake Worth, River Oaks, Sansom Park, Saginaw, Westover Hills, Westworth Village, Edgecliff Village and White Settlement. The system is the 12th largest system in the nation based upon population served, which provides special events coverage with the Bike team and Mounted EMS Team. There are 18 Fire Departments in the MedStar service area providing a variety of BLS, Intermediate, and ALS First Response.