SOURCE: Strategiy.com

Emirates Airline has renewed its exclusive contract with Philips Electronics to use its HeartStart Defibrillators on all its aircrafts. The airline, which has been using the defibrillator for more than six years, will equip its new fleet of aircrafts and its training facilities at the Emirates Aviation College with the device. Emirates will double its fleet of 79 aircrafts by 2012 including 43 Airbus A380-800s, making the airline the largest customer of the double-decker. The renewal of the contract with Philips Electronics, which is set for six and a half years, is a guaranteed sign of satisfaction by Emirates of their long-term partnership. Emirates senior Cabin Crew members are trained to use the Philips’ HeartStart automated external defibrillator (AED) on passengers who suffer sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) on board. The defibrillator delivers a shock to the heart to help restore its rhythm, giving the person a chance of survival. "HeartStart Defibrillators are specifically designed with simplicity in mind for the average person,” commented Louis Hakim, CEO for Philips Middle East. “Philips Defibrillators provide clear, easy-to-follow voice instructions and a simple user interface to guide the responder through an emergency.” Emirates Airlines is among a distinguished list of airlines from around the world that carry the Philips Automated External Defibrillator on board their aircrafts. “By equipping Emirates’ aircrafts with the Philips Automated External Defibrillator, we have been able to save the lives of a number of ill passengers in the past six years,” commented Dr. Cliff Webster, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Medical Services. “The renewal of this contract will reassure our passengers that their health and safety are of the highest priority to us.” “The automated external defibrillator (AED) is portable, lightweight, requires minimal device training to use,” added Ian Lauritzen, General Manager Philips Medical Systems Middle East. “ Its host of features makes it an extremely versatile defibrillator, enabling responders to potentially save the life of a family member, a co-worker, friend, patient or fellow citizen under demanding circumstances.” The Philips Automated External Defibrillator is the most versatile in its class, simple to operate and can be used on people of all ages, including infants and children. The Philips Automated External Defibrillator is a very accessible product that can be used not only on an aircraft but also in the office, sports complexes, golf clubs and shopping centers.