Physio-Control, now part of Stryker, is one of the pioneers in the defibrillation world, since developing initial defibrillator technology in the late 1950s. The company founder Dr. Karl William Edmark ended up launching an entire industry that continues to be crucial for saving lives in a variety of settings. Today, Physio-Control is still considered a world leader in the creation and sales of external defibrillators/monitors and emergency medical response products and services.

Physio-Control got its start when Dr. Edmark developed a device that sent a direct current (DC) electric shock through the heart to terminate ventricular fibrillation. Afterwards, this first DC defibrillator became the prototype for medical devices used by emergency medical services (EMS) and hospitals worldwide. Ten years later, Physio-Control dramatically changed the face of emergency medical care forever with the introduction of the first portable defibrillator / monitor.

Lifesaving Defibrillators

AEDs are small electronic devices that are designed to allow minimally-trained people to provide lifesaving defibrillation (electric shock to the heart) to victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Current models are small, lightweight, and provide helpful instructions that can easily be followed to provide the same life saving defibrillation trained medical professionals deliver.

To continue growth in the defibrillator space, Physio-Control partners with EMS, nurses, doctors, and medical researchers to pursue new technologies. The company's products are intended to provide emergency caregivers more control during each critical event - be it at a hospital or in another setting.

LIFEPAK 20e Defibrillator / Monitor

The Physio-Control LIFEPAK 20e Defibrillator / Monitor is a compact device designed specifically for crash cart use in hospitals and clinics. Integral features of the LIFEPAK 20e encompass capnography and a CPR metronome, both ensuring optimal patient monitoring and resuscitation. Moreover, it's capable of data collection compatible with CODE-STAT through the separately sold CodeManagement Module. Notably, it incorporates a semi-automatic defibrillation feature known as the Shock Advisory System that expertly guides users.

In terms of its functionality, the LIFEPAK 20e offers seven main operating modes. The manual mode provides energy selections up to 360J, synchronized cardioversion, and pacing, while the AED mode offers standard operations, displaying ECG waveforms and/or AED prompts and delivering shocks with energy defaults up to 360J. It also allows users to configure the device through its setup mode, perform calibrations and diagnostics in the service mode, and demonstrate capabilities via simulated waveforms in the inservice mode. Additionally, the archive mode facilitates the retrieval and printing of patient records, and the auto test mode ensures the device conducts daily self-assessments.