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South Bend EMS showcases new LifePak 35 monitors funded by regional EMS board
Summary
Fire and EMS leaders demonstrated a new LifePak 35 cardiac monitor and described features (CPR Insight, epinephrine timer, expanded 12‑lead) and costs. Staff said the department obtained four units with a base price ~ $47,000 per monitor and a full-package cost near $278,000 per unit.
Fire and EMS leaders presented and demonstrated the department’s new LifePak 35 cardiac monitor, explaining how the technology will improve field cardiac care.
Fire Chief Bill Diddy introduced Captain John Drew, who outlined the device’s capabilities: a touchscreen interface usable with gloves, CPR Insight that can read underlying heart rhythm during chest compressions, a built‑in epinephrine timer, expanded 12‑lead EKG views and a more comfortable, titratable blood‑pressure cuff. Drew said the monitor 'is our most used piece of medical equipment' and that the new features will help deliver more timely defibrillation and better information to receiving hospitals.
In response to council questions, staff said the department has four LifePak 35 units. The presenters described the monitor cost: 'the monitor itself is expensive. It's base price is about $47,000,' and with additional equipment, technology upgrades and service plans the 'full package' approaches $278,000. Councilors and attendees thanked the EMS board and the community for support.
