Welch Allyn Releases a Reusable Pediatric Energy Reducer for Use with Its Automated External Defibrillators; Removable Accessory Uses Universal AED Pads and is Safe for Children under Eight Years.

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. -- Welch Allyn, a leading global manufacturer of frontline medical products and solutions, today introduced a Pediatric Energy Reducer for use with Welch Allyn automated external defibrillators (AED). When inserted into a Welch Allyn AED and attached to standard AED pads, the Pediatric Energy Reducer automatically reduces the amount of energy to one-quarter of a full adult energy dose - making it safe to perform defibrillation in an attempt to save a young victim's life. This new accessory expands the use of all Welch Allyn AEDs to include children from one to eight years of age.

Welch Allyn's Pediatric Energy Reducer is the latest in defibrillation technology for children and infants. The compact device is simple-to-use and can easily snap into any Welch Allyn AED. The Welch Allyn Pediatric Energy Reducer uses universal AED pads, which eliminate the need to stock costly specialty pads and confusion by rescuers over which pads to use during rescue.

Healthcare experts have documented a rise in death from sudden cardiac arrest among young adults and children. According to the National Center for Early Defibrillation, legislation related to the placement of AEDs in schools has been passed or is currently soon to be reviewed in at least six states in the United States.

In addition to AEDs, Welch Allyn also manufactures and markets a complete line of crash cart defibrillators and multi-parameter monitors for the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest and related cardiopulmonary emergency events. For more information about Welch Allyn products please call 800-535-6663 or visit our website at www.welchallyn.com.

About Welch Allyn: Welch Allyn, Inc. was founded in 1915 and is today a leading manufacturer of innovative medical diagnostic and therapeutic devices, cardiac defibrillators, patient monitoring systems, and miniature precision lamps. Headquartered in Skaneateles Falls, New York, USA, Welch Allyn employs more than 2,300 people and has numerous manufacturing, sales, and distribution facilities located throughout the world. Additional information on Welch Allyn and its products may be found at www.welchallyn.com.