Mini Portable Defibrillators Can Turn A Neighborhood Into A Community ER

Being caught outside when a heart attack hits may be one of the worst things that can happen to a person, especially when there is no help around. Ambulance response times and waiting in the ER also don’t help in emergency situations where one needs attention immediately.

In the case of heart attacks, automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) could literally be lifesavers during those first few minutes.

As Fast Company reports, a startup company based in San Francisco called Avive has found a solution to mitigate response time. Together with technology design studio NewDealDesign, it has designed a mini defibrillator.

The gadget’s small and compact design allows it to be tossed into your bag when you’re on the go. And at home, you can hang it on your wall for easy access.  

However, the shining feature is the ability to alert you to other people in your vicinity that are having a cardiac arrest. Your mini defibrillator will start pinging when someone in your area calls 911 for cardiac arrest. On the defibrillator is a map that shows their location, compelling neighbors to arrive at the scene before the paramedic.

Avive has done multiple tests to make sure that the defibrillator is safe for use without a medical professional around. However, it is still waiting for FDA approval. All in all, when safe enough for general use, this little defibrillator could save a lot of people’s lives. 

[via Fast Company and BusinessNews, cover image via Avive]