Recently we put into service two of the latest technology cardiac monitoring life-saving devices available. These are the same units found in hospital emergency rooms across southern Maine.

First generation cardiac monitoring had limited diagnostic capabilities and we primarily used the "paddles" to attempt to re-start a non-beating heart.

We still have the "paddles" but now we have the ability through 12-lead EKG's to recognize different heart rhythms, levels of oxygen and carbon monoxide in the blood, and accompanied with administering medications we are able to correct or stabilize these true medical emergencies.

In the field we are now recognizing blockages to blood flow to and from the heart which require surgical intervention only performed at Maine Medical Center or in Lewiston. These patients now go directly to Portland without delay. And, it is just a matter of time before, by using blue-tooth technology, we send the cardiac rhythm to the i-phone of the waiting cardiologist at Maine Medical Center.