Largest first responder purchase of Masimo Rad-57 Pulse CO-Oximeters made by the Fire Department of NY

Sep 8 2009

Masimo (Nasdaq: MASI), the inventor of Pulse CO-Oximetry(TM) and Measure-Through Motion and Low-Perfusion pulse oximetry, today announced that the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) has purchased 86 Masimo Rad-57 Pulse CO-Oximeters as part of their strategic initiative to "improve the survivability of firefighters and victims suffering from carbon monoxide (CO) toxicity." The purchase is the single largest first responder deployment of Rad-57s, making FDNY the largest department to implement a department-wide program for noninvasive carbon monoxide monitoring in the U.S.

The Masimo Rad-57 Pulse CO-Oximeter enables EMS and fire department first responders to quickly, accurately, and noninvasively detect carbon monoxide poisoning on the scene. FDNY will put its 86 new Rad-57s to work throughout the 5 boroughs of New York City on all 35 of its HazTac and rescue ambulances, Supervisor units, and Major Emergency Response Vehicles -- allowing for prompt and possibly life-saving treatment for both victims and firefighters alike.

According to John Peruggia, Chief of EMS for the Fire Department City of New York, the Masimo Rad-57 Pulse CO-Oximeter has become a key component in FDNY fire and emergency medical response operations "because it allows our EMTs and Paramedics to accurately evaluate a patient's blood chemistry, determine toxicity levels, and commence initial treatment of patients found to be poisoned by CO -- all within seconds. The Rad-57 has also become an integral part of firefighter rehab, with all fire personnel being evaluated for CO after operating at large fire incidents, to insure responder health and safety. Expanding our utilization of the Rad-57 with this purchase is a natural progression of the success we have achieved, both in terms of lives saved and hazards averted."

Masimo Founder and CEO, Joe E. Kiani, stated, "We commend FDNY for their leadership, dedication, and vigilance in the battle against the unsuspected, deadly hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning. We are particularly proud that they have chosen the Rad-57 to help ensure the public health and safety of all New York City residents, visitors, and first responders."