Brockton Public Schools Prepares for Cardiac Emergencies with a Comprehensive AED Program; School District is One of First in the Nation with a Three-Minute Response Time.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

BROCKTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2003

With one of the most comprehensive school defibrillator programs in the country, Brockton Public Schools is prepared to deal with sudden cardiac emergencies at its schools, athletic games or other onsite events. Each of the district's 26 schools now has at least one Medtronic LIFEPAK(R) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on the premises, and the system-wide response time to a cardiac emergency is just three minutes.

"Comprehensive AED placement and training throughout the school district is very significant, because early intervention and defibrillator use is the most effective treatment for most sudden cardiac arrest victims," said Dr. Claire Appling, director of Health Education for Brockton Public Schools. "Time is of the essence. We hope by having trained staff and the proper equipment available, we'll be able to prevent tragedies."

Brockton Public Schools currently has 42 AEDs, 273 staff members who are CPR-certified and 136 staff members who are CPR/AED-certified.

"It is our mission to ensure the health and safety of all students, staff and community members who use our schools," said Lorraine Kuplast, supervisor of Nurses. "We hope we will never have to use the AEDs, but sudden cardiac arrest does happen, and we will be prepared to respond."

The first defibrillator was purchased in 2001 for the Brockton High School Athletic Department. In September 2001, Brockton was one of 45 school systems in Massachusetts awarded a free AED by the American Heart Association.

Since then, many businesses and community groups have contributed to the Brockton Public Schools' AED purchase program, including Brockton Hospital, Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center, Brockton Community Schools, Brockton Youth Soccer Association, Brockton Credit Union, Save Our Sports, Brockton Veterans Fireman's Association, Cushman Insurance, the American Heart Association and New York-based Louis Accompora Memorial Foundation.

"Brockton Public Schools accomplished an impressive achievement with its AED program," said Robert White, president of Medtronic Physio-Control. "With this type of partnership between school districts and local organizations for comprehensive school defibrillator programs, communities everywhere can greatly increase the chances of saving more lives."

Sudden Cardiac Arrest and AEDs

It is estimated that up to 450,000 Americans fall victim to sudden cardiac arrest each year. Although not everyone can be saved from sudden cardiac arrest, studies show that early defibrillation can dramatically improve survival rates. National survival rates are about 5 percent, although up to 70 percent of victims may survive when AEDs are accessible and used within three to four minutes. Every minute that goes by without receiving a defibrillation shock, survival rates decrease by 10 percent. For more information on sudden cardiac arrest and AEDs in schools, go to http://www.aedhelp.com/schools.

LIFEPAK AEDs are prescription devices. AED users should be trained in CPR and the use of the AED. With Infant/Child Reduced Energy Electrodes, the LIFEPAK(R) CR Plus AED and specially configured LIFEPAK(R) 500 AEDs may be used on children up to 8 years old or 25 kg (55lb).

About Medtronic

Medtronic Physio-Control pioneered defibrillation technology nearly 50 years ago. Today, more than 350,000 LIFEPAK(R) devices have been distributed worldwide, making the company the leading provider of defibrillation technology for saving the lives of people suffering sudden cardiac arrest. Nine of the top 10 emergency services use LIFEPAK defibrillators, and LIFEPAK defibrillator/monitors are used throughout the hospital from emergency rooms to intensive care, cardiac care and EP labs. For more information on LIFEPAK defibrillator/monitors, visit www.physiocontrol.com. Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the world's leading medical technology company, providing lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease. Its Internet address is www.medtronic.com.

Any statements made about the company's anticipated financial results and regulatory approvals are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 25, 2003. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.