Rural Oklahoma getting defibrillators

Oklahoma's rural areas are getting some federal aid to help in medical emergencies. More than $200,000 will buy 91 defibrillators. <br><br>These devices are about the size of laptop computers and

Thursday, July 10th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma's rural areas are getting some federal aid to help in medical emergencies. More than $200,000 will buy 91 defibrillators.

These devices are about the size of laptop computers and can be a lifesaver for people suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. The machine will analyze the heart rhythms and shock it as needed. Shawn Rogers, EMS Director: " Once upon a time, only physicians, nurses, and paramedics could interpret the monitor and administer the shock but this new technology, automatic defibrillators, allows anyone, any lay person, anyone as young as 8-year-old to operate the defibrillator and resuscitate people."

The units will be placed in 24-hour radio-dispatched mobile units so they can get to people quickly.

For every minute of delay, a person's chances of survival decrease about 13%.