Pope Benedict XVI accepted the gift of a Defibtech automated external defibrillator (AED) from Defibtech's president Gintaras Vaisnys and Fabio Rangoni, president of Mortara, the Italian distributor of the Defibtech Lifeline® AED.

Defibtech is a leading designer and manufacturer of automated external defibrillators, which can revive potential victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) caused by ventricular fibrillation.

During a recent papal audience, Vaisnys and Rangoni met with the Pope and presented the AED while and explained how defibrillators can save victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Vaisnys said that because so many tourists visit St. Peter's Square and Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens and Grottos and other attractions, it is important to have a defibrillator close by.

Having an AED where many people congregate is important because immediate resuscitation is vital. Studies show that more than 70 percent of SCA victims who are defibrillated within a minute or two after arrest survive. If defibrillation is delayed for more than 10 minutes, less than 5 percent live.

Defibtech and the Italian distributor Mortara previously partnered to deploy 148 AEDs at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Defibtech AEDs can be found throughout the United States, Canada and Europe; in China, India, the Middle East and other parts of Asia; and in Australia, South America and Africa.

Defibtech was named North America's fastest-growing medical equipment company by Deloitte's prestigious 2007 Technology Fast 500 Program. The Defibtech AED has earned several major awards, including the Best Bang for the Buck Award from Frost & Sullivan, an AED industry analyst. The AED's outstanding design was recognized by The Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA), which selected the Lifeline to be in its "SAFE: Design Takes On Risk" exhibit.

About Defibtech

Defibtech relentlessly pursues one goal: making the best automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the world at affordable prices. Defibtech designs and manufactures the FDA-approved Lifeline® and ReviveR™ brand AEDs and related accessories. Defibtech's products are sold through its network of distribution partners in the United States and around the world. For more information go to www.fefibtech.com.

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