Masimo Rad-57 Pulse CO-Oximeter helps detect CO poisoning on-the-scene

Jan 20 2010

Masimo (Nasdaq: MASI), the inventor of Pulse CO-Oximetry™ and Measure-Through Motion and Low Perfusion pulse oximetry, today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently issued a Federal warning about the increased risk of carbon monoxide exposure during the winter season—urging heightened awareness and precaution for firefighters, who are at increased risk of duty-related CO danger. The life-threatening consequences of CO poisoning make immediate detection, helped by the noninvasive Masimo Rad-57 Pulse CO-Oximeter, a lifesaving necessity for fire and emergency operations.

The Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) INFOGRAM 1-10, warns that "below freezing temperatures now occurring at many locations throughout the United States potentially increase the risk for carbon monoxide exposure" as people try to use alternative sources for heat. According to the Federal warning, firefighters responding to fires and emergency calls "should understand that CO poisoning is a danger at every fire, regardless of its cause" and "its symptoms – headache, dizziness, fatigue – are often absent or non-specific, making on-scene awareness and detection difficult." Detection is important because it "puts firefighters at significant risk because even mild CO poisoning can deny the brain of oxygen. It can also rob the heart of oxygen, causing immediate life-threatening complications."

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless toxic gas that is extremely difficult to detect—making it the leading cause of poisoning in industrialized countries. Prior to Masimo Rainbow SET Pulse CO-Oximetry, an invasive blood draw followed by laboratory blood gas analysis was the only reliable method for diagnosing CO poisoning. Without immediate access to measure CO in the blood, emergency first responders were at a critical disadvantage. Today, the portable, handheld Masimo Rad-57 Pulse CO-Oximeter provides an accurate and noninvasive way to detect elevated CO levels in the bloodstream in just seconds—helping emergency first responders to quickly and easily diagnose CO poisoning on-the-scene and initiate prompt, lifesaving treatment.

The full warning can be found at: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/infograms/1_10.pdf