Philips Signs with NY Yankees to Provide X-Rays, AEDs
The New York Yankees this week signed a new partner to enhance the diagnostic health care capabilities inside their new stadium and clubhouse. The Netherlands-based Royal Philips Electronics agreed to become an official medical equipment supplier for the team, and, as part of the agreement, a state-of-the-art digital radiology system was installed inside Yankee Stadium, enabling onsite diagnosis of players by the Yankees medical team. In addition, potentially life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available in both the player areas and in select locations in the stadium, providing emergency care to fans who might be in need during a game.
The Philips BuckyDiagnost, a technologically-advanced X-ray system, provides onsite X-ray capabilities inside the Yankees clubhouse. The system comes with a tool that creates crisp digital diagnostic images, which are available to team doctors almost instantaneously. The system also has multiple features that reduce unnecessary X-ray exposure while maintaining image quality.
"Determining the extent of an injury quickly and effectively is critical to getting the player the best course of action and onto the road to recovery," said Yankees team physician Christopher Ahmad, M.D. "Having a Philips X-ray system onsite will speed diagnosis and help us determine an appropriate course of treatment for players. Digital images are available within seconds and can be transferred electronically if care is required outside of the clubhouse."
In addition to the new X-ray room, Yankee Stadium is outfitted with Philips HeartStart FRx Defibrillators. Designed to be easy to use, the AED directs rescuers through the delivery of a potentially life-saving shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. The device guides users through every step with clear, calm voice commands and descriptive visual icons. The FRx also offers on-demand CPR coaching to help the stressed users recall their training and even reminds rescuers to call emergency medical services. Additionally, the device features an infant/child key that can turn it into a pediatric defibrillator, tailoring the voice instructions and therapy to the needs of a small child.
"Rapid treatment in an emergency, particularly for sudden cardiac arrest when minutes can mean the difference between life and death, will help to better serve the fans, and we are honored to provide advanced medical technology for Yankee Stadium. We are also privileged to provide onsite X-ray capabilities for the players," said Brent Shafer, chief executive officer, Philips North America.