Choose your lifesaver.

• Position: Advertisment

Equip your home and neighborhood with an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) in case of sudden cardiac arrest. Because 80 percent of all sudden cardiac arrests occur in the home, AEDs should become as common as fire extinguishers in case of a cardiac emergency. Neighborhood Heart Watch, a monthly newsletter, presents the basic information to help you choose the defibrillator that is right for you-dimensions, weight, warranty, type of battery, and special features.

LIFEPAK CR PLUS

Medtronic, $2,795 (suggested retail price)

with Home Solution, $2,995 (suggested retail price)

* Measures 4.2" x 8.0" x 9.5" and weighs 4.5 lbs

* Includes lithium battery and two sets of electrodes

* The only fully automated defibrillator on the market. Semiautomatic defibrillator also available.

* Stores a continuous ECG tracing, as well as event and test log reports. Data can be transmitted to a personal computer.

* Five-year warranty

* Home Solution includes a LIFEPAK CR PLUS defibrillator and one year of service. Training programs, prescription support, 24-hour medical support, and comprehensive consumer support are provided.

POWERHEART AED

Cardiac-Science, Inc., $3,595 (suggested retail price)

* Measures 3.3" x 10.6" x 12.4" and weighs 7.7 lbs

* Includes lithium battery from manufacturer

* Records and stores a 20-minute EGG and event logs. Wireless transmission to personal computer.

* Five-year warranty

HeartStart Home Defibrillator

Philips Medical Systems, $2,295 (suggested retail price)

* Measures 2.8' x 8.3" x 7.4" and weighs 3.3 lbs

* Includes lithium battery from manufacturer

* Records and stores first 15-minute ECG and entire incident's events and analysis decisions.

* Wireless transmission of event data.

* Voice instructions in adult and infant/child CPR available at user's option.

* Five-year warranty

MRL JUMPSTART

Medical Research Laboratories, $2,110 (suggested retail price)

* Measures 8.25 x 6.875' x 2.75' and weighs 3.5 lbs

* Includes lithium...