Philips HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillator Chosen by Leading-Edge Em

    Business Editors/High-Tech Writers/Health/Medical Writers

    ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2005--Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG, AEX:PHI) today announced that several leading-edge U.S. emergency medical service (EMS) organizations have chosen the Philips HeartStart MRx - an advanced, reliable and easy-to-use monitor/defibrillator - to better support patient care and help improve cardiac emergency survival rates in the pre-hospital setting. The HeartStart MRx is designed with a broad range of features and capabilities to meet the technical and environmental demands of Advanced Life Support (ALS) caregivers to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). EMS groups now equipped with HeartStart MRx include Southwest Ambulance in Las Vegas, Nevada; Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services, Inc. in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad (CARS) in Charlottesville, Virginia; Oakdale Fire Department in Minnesota; Norwell Fire Department in Massachusetts and Trinity County Life Support in Weaverville, California.
    "We conducted extensive research and testing in the process of choosing new defibrillators for our ambulances and, in the end, the decision to switch to the Philips HeartStart MRx was an easy one," said Brian Rogers, vice president for operations at Southwest Ambulance in Las Vegas. "The MRx is built with advanced defibrillation technology, which provides a more effective shock while minimizing damage to heart muscle. Plus, it's very rugged and has a large color screen and great battery life, all important to us as emergency professionals."
    The HeartStart MRx was designed specifically to meet the needs of EMS professionals. It combines industry-leading monitoring technology with diagnostic measurements and Philips patented defibrillation therapies in a rugged, lightweight device. It provides several best-in-class advantages important to paramedics, including the largest color display, the fastest time to shock and the longest battery operating time of any monitor/defibrillator.
    "We are committed to designing products that support and enhance the capabilities of EMS professionals as they care for the people in their communities," said Deborah DiSanzo, vice president and general manager, cardiac resuscitation for Philips Medical Systems. "Paramedics told us they need an easy-to-use defibrillator with unsurpassed reliability, and the HeartStart MRx was designed to meet these needs by providing the most advanced defibrillation and monitoring technology available. Philips is committed to offering the best defibrillator solution to every caregiver, in every environment, from home to hospital."
    SCA is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming approximately 340,000 lives each year. Defibrillators provide the most effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation (the most common cause of SCA), shocking the heart back to a normal rhythm. HeartStart MRx features Philips patented low-energy SMART Biphasic defibrillation therapy, proven effective by clinical research in terminating ventricular fibrillation and for minimizing post-shock heart dysfunction.

    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 $32.8 billion (EUR 29 billion) in 2003. With activities in the three interlocking domains of healthcare, lifestyle and technology and 166,800 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.

    About Southwest Ambulance

    Southwest Ambulance of Las Vegas was formed in March 1999 to provide exceptional patient care in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Southwest Ambulance has grown to employ over 115 full-time employees, as well as 50 part-time employees , and is continuing to make strides to become Southern Nevada's premier pre-hospital care provider.

    About Norwell Fire Department

    Norwell Fire Department in Massachusetts provides fire, rescue and EMS services to its residents and businesses. Located 20 miles south of Boston, the department operates out of two staffed stations with 22 full-time employees. The department continues to grow and improve its level of protection and equipment as the demand for services increases.

    About Oakdale Fire

    Oakdale Fire of Oakdale, Minnesota was formed in 1964 under the name of Northdale Fire Department and has since provided exceptional emergency response to Oakdale residents. Oakdale fire responds to over 1,600 calls a year and has grown to provide paramedic and EMS services to support the community.

    About Trinity County Life Support

    Trinity County Life Support was formed in June of 1993 and currently employs 24 people. Trinity provides the highest level of Advanced Life Support, Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services to the community and also assists in the education of local fire departments, schools, and general public on health and safety issues.

    About Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services

    Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services, Inc. provides the finest advanced life support services to improve the quality of life in the community. SCCEMS is a community based, non-profit corporation governed through the collaboration of local ambulance companies and members of the local community. SCCEMS units cover more than 225 square miles of territory with a population of nearly 60,000 people.

    About Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad (CARS)

    Founded in 1960, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad (CARS) is a 100% volunteer- department that provides primary rescue and emergency medical services to the City of Charlottesville, the University of Virginia, and most of Albemarle County. They serve approximately 150,000 people. On average, every 30 minutes someone in the Charlottesville-Albemarle community receives immediate medical assistance from a dedicated team of volunteer professionals. Responding to over 12,000 calls for service in 2003, CARS is among the busiest all-volunteer rescue squads in America.

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CONTACT: Philips Heidi Wilson, +1 978-659-7302 Heidi.Wilson@philips.com or Philips Medical Systems Steve Kelly, +1 425-487-7479 Steve.Kelly@philips.com

KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SOFTWARE MEDICAL DEVICES MEDICAL PRODUCT SOURCE: Philips

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