Red Cross Is Selling Defibrillator Units

Portable heart-defibrillator units, which can greatly increase the survival rates of cardiac-arrest victims, are now available for sale to the public through the American Red Cross. The Red Cross will also offer training classes in how to use the devices.

Weighing just 4 pounds, the notebook-size automated external defibrillator includes heart-starting paddles that deliver the electrical current and has a recording that gives operating instructions. The machine can be used on people of any size or weight who experience sudden cardiac arrest--the electrical current is automatically adjusted to each individual.

“It’s a condensed version of the kind you see in the movies but equally capable,” said American Red Cross spokesman Mike Powers.

While its $3,000 price tag may put it out of the reach of many individuals, businesses are buying the portable defibrillators to treat employees.

Each year, nearly 350,000 Americans die suddenly from cardiac arrest. If portable defibrillators had been available, almost two-thirds of these deaths could have been prevented, according to the American Red Cross.

In-depth training classes are available for $40 through the American Red Cross for those who purchase a machine.

The following local classes are scheduled:

* 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Red Cross San Fernando Valley Service Center, 14717 Sherman Way, Van Nuys;

* 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Burbank Service Center, 1001 W. Magnolia Blvd.;

* 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Service Center, 23152 1/2 Valencia Blvd., Valencia;

* 6 to 10 p.m. March 25 at the San Fernando Service Center.

For more information about the device and the classes, call (800) 627-7000.