§ Mr. TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what investigations have taken place into the Heartstart 3000 machine used by emergency ambulance crews; how effective this equipment is; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Department has conducted a three-day comparative trial using a front line ambulance and defibrillators from four manufacturers. The ambulance was driven around a set course, over rough ground, along motorways and past power stations, and the ecg recordings were compared. The Laerdal Heartstart 3000 was entirely satisfactory, as were all the others.
816WIn addition to the trial described, a full technical evaluation has also been carried out. The equipment was found to be satisfactory.