New York Strengthens Emergency Preparedness With Cardinal Health Ventilators

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 22 Feb 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Cardinal Health, a global provider of products and services that improve the safety and productivity of health care, announced an order by the New York Department of Health for its public health preparedness program. As part of an expanding statewide plan to maintain emergency response readiness, New York has purchased more than 1,850 portable ventilators from Cardinal Health over the past two years.

Cardinal Health has already shipped 850 of its Lap Top Ventilators Series 1200 (LTVs) in 'GoPack' configuration to New York state. GoPacks contain ventilators, accessories, tubing and other supplies to immediately deploy for use in emergency situations. GoPacks improve readiness and simplify warehouse storage.

"We are working closely with the state and federal government to support emergency preparedness efforts across the country," said Ed Pulwer, Cardinal Health's senior operating executive of Respiratory Technologies and Critical Care. "It is critical that our health care system has access to breathing equipment, specifically ventilators during emergency and disaster situations. There is a growing realization that preparation for a potential pandemic flu or other crisis is a critical national health care initiative, and this equipment plays a significant role in increasing readiness."

Cardinal Health is also working with other states to upgrade their emergency operations. Last year, the company supplied 2,400 ventilators to California for its emergency preparedness initiatives and assisted the Governor's Office of Emergency Services in responding to wildfires in southern California. Today, more than 5,500 LTVs are in state emergency care programs.

The LTV 1200 Series ventilator is a portable, light-weight, high-acuity ventilator that is optimally designed for emergency and disaster situations. Among its numerous features, the ventilator offers an intuitive "in-the-field" user interface, individualized air pressure and volume controls settings, and internal oxygen blending. In addition, it can be powered from a variety of sources, including an internal and external battery and an automobile auxiliary power outlet.

About Cardinal Health

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is an $87 billion, global company serving the health care industry with products and services that help hospitals, physician offices and pharmacies reduce costs, improve safety, productivity and profitability, and deliver better care to patients. With a focus on making supply chains more efficient, reducing hospital-acquired infections and breaking the cycle of harmful medication errors, Cardinal Health develops market-leading technologies, including Alaris(R) IV pumps, Pyxis(R) automated dispensing systems, MedMined(TM) electronic infection surveillance, VIASYS(R) respiratory care products and the CareFusion(TM) patient identification system. The company also manufactures medical and surgical products and is one of the largest distributors of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies worldwide. Ranked No. 19 on the Fortune 500 and No. 1 in its sector on Fortune's ranking of Most Admired firms, Cardinal Health employs more than 40,000 people on five continents. More information about the company may be found at http://www.cardinalhealth.com.

Cardinal Health
http://www.cardinalhealth.com