Too often, bystanders are unwilling to perform CPR. While recent AHA guidelines suggest that mouth-to-mouth breathing is no longer required (at least for the first few minutes) in cases where the sudden cardiac arrest is witnessed, the fear of not doing chest compressions correctly is still a reality.

A product developed by Bio-Detek called PocketCPR (see the web site for more information) aids rescuers with verbal messages (for example, Call 911!) and with feedback as chest compressions are being delivered. "Good compressions" is played or "Push Harder" is repeated every five seconds if needed.

It took many years for smoke detectors to be widely deployed. I hope that technology that helps rescuers perform CPR will become more widespread at a much faster pace.

Mark Totman
President
Bio-Detek, Inc.

I think something as small as trying to provide windows for employees would make a huge difference in this country's health crisis. People are given very little time off, expected to put thier jobs above all else, and often work in hostile environments where they can't even take a moment and look out the window to observe a calming nature scene. Stress and a healthy lifestlye are completely incompatible. You may have full intentions of going for a jog at night but when you get home it is dark out and you are exhausted. You may have every intention of eating right, but the 20 minutes you are alloted for lunch don't give you enough time to sit down to a healthy meal. I think employers could all come togther and address a health crisis from a work perspective. Affording employess a little more room for healthy living will ultimately increase productivity and commitment to the job, not to mention cut back on sick days. My office is a windowless cell and while the executives take leisurely lunches at nice restaurants, the rest of us shove sandwichs down our throats while still answering the phone.