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Port Orange council sees demonstration of LifePak 35 cardiac monitors, staff says units improve prehospital care
Summary
Port Orange fire and EMS leaders demonstrated the LifePak 35 cardiac monitor to the council, saying the nine new units (in service since December) match hospital monitors, transmit ECG data to hospitals and include CPR Insight; staff said a unit costs about $47,000 and an eight‑year product protection plan is included.
City of Port Orange officials demonstrated a LifePak 35 cardiac monitor at the council meeting, outlining how the device will expand prehospital care. EMS Chief Colleen Fitch said the department has placed nine monitors across the fleet and began using them in December.
“This is our new Life Pack 35 monitor,” said EMS Chief Colleen Fitch, describing features that allow crews to run 12‑lead and 15‑lead ECGs, interpret rhythms on scene, and transmit data to receiving hospitals so doctors can decide whether a patient needs immediate catheter‑lab treatment en route. Fitch also described the unit’s “CPR Insight” capability, which assesses rhythm during compressions and helps crews reduce pauses in chest compressions.
Fitch told the council the monitors are interoperable with AEDs, support continuous monitoring of heart rate and oxygen saturation and upload call data into the city’s ESO reporting system so staff can review uses and interventions. Fire Chief Joe Wolfing emphasized that paramedics can provide hospital‑level cardiac care on scene and said the upgrade improves continuity of care from field to emergency department.
Council members asked about cost and replacement strategy. Fitch said a single unit costs about $47,000 and the city purchased a set intended to be upgraded by software and attachments over time; the monitors include an eight‑year product protection plan. City staff said they will provide more details on phased replacement timing and maintenance as part of budget planning.
The council did not take a separate vote on the demonstration; the briefing was presented as part of a routine agenda item explaining recent capital investments and operational changes. Next steps are internal budget follow‑ups and routine equipment maintenance planning.
