ZOLL Medical Corporation, a manufacturer of medical devices and related software solutions, announced today that Swiss Air-Rescue, Rega, of Zurich Switzerland, is the first international air medical service to install the new Propaq(R) MD Monitor/Defibrillator on its medical helicopters.

Rega partnered with ZOLL over the last year to provide valuable clinical and human factor input into the design of this life-saving device that was developed specifically to meet the special needs of air medical operations. Rega has been a long-standing customer of ZOLL for over 16 years, first using the ZOLL PD 1400 on emergency missions, and more recently equipping its helicopters and jets with the ZOLL M Series(R) defibrillator.

The Propaq MD is an ultra-lightweight compact device with highly sophisticated, advanced capabilities that combine the well-accepted and proven features of Propaq monitors with the clinically superior therapeutic capabilities of ZOLL defibrillation and non-invasive pacing technologies. The Propaq MD is 60 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than similar monitor/defibrillators. It is two pounds lighter than the current air medical vital signs monitor even with defibrillation and pacing added.

“We are pleased to have been involved in the final development of a life-saving product that advances patient care and provides the ruggedness, durability, and advanced functionality required for air medical operations,” said Roland Albrecht, M.D., Medical Director of REGA. “Working with ZOLL resulted in an innovative solution that meets the challenging requirements of emergency air transport.”

“The adoption of the Propaq MD is indicative of the extent to which this well-respected civilian air ambulance operator goes through to provide top-level critical care to patients,” said Jonathan A. Rennert, President of ZOLL. “Due to its advanced capabilities and compact size, the Propaq MD replaces the need for separate monitors and defibrillators, resulting in more cabin space and reduced weight. With its small footprint, it’s also easy to mount inside the aircraft.”

The Propaq MD provides an unmatched combination of capabilities that include a large, high-contrast color LCD display capable of showing up to four waveforms simultaneously, as well as a full 12-lead ECG for on-screen review. It also offers a unique night vision goggle (NVG) mode. All physiological monitoring parameter values, including heart rate, SpO2, ETCO2, respiration, non-invasive blood pressure, two temperatures, and three invasive pressures, are shown in large color-coded numeric formats. The device is capable of monitoring all patients, whether adult, pediatric or neonatal. The Propaq MD is the only FDA-cleared airworthy defibrillator to provide monitoring of three invasive pressures necessary for treating critical patients during long transports. The system also incorporates a new battery that will monitor all physiological parameters for over six hours on a single battery charge.

Designed to withstand the tough demands encompassing air transport, the Propaq MD meets an unprecedented number of international standards related to durability, environmental operation and storage extremes, radio frequency emissions, and susceptibility to spurious electrical and radio frequency noise. The Propaq MD is also rated at the most stringent IP55 rating for dust and water ingress protection.

About Swiss Air-Rescue, Rega

Swiss Air-Rescue, Rega, founded in 1952, is an independent, non-profit, privately operated foundation, which is under the supervision of the Swiss Federal Government. It is a corporate member of the Swiss Red Cross, and Rega helicopters are painted with the distinctive white and red cross. Last year, Rega completed over 10,000 missions with its fleet of 17 helicopters and over 800 missions with its three Challenger ambulance jets. Rega’s helicopter bases are distributed throughout Switzerland in such a way that, with only one exception, any location can be reached within just 15 minutes’ flying time. The rescue helicopters operate on a permanent stand-by basis to be able to respond immediately to emergencies. Their Challenger jets are used to transport intensive care patients worldwide. The name “Rega” is made up of the initials “RE” from the German word, “Rettungsflugwacht,” and “GA,” from its French name, “Garde Aerienne” and from the Italian description “Gurdia Aerea”.

About ZOLL Medical Corporation

ZOLL Medical Corporation develops and markets medical devices and software solutions that help advance emergency care and save lives, while increasing clinical and operational efficiencies. With products for defibrillation and monitoring, circulation