We are the Latin American agent for the SleepStrip, the world's first disposable Sleep Apnea screener, winner of a Medical Design Excellence Award in 2002, and we distribute SleepSense brand sleep lab sensors in Panama.

 SleepStrip Sleep Apnea Sensor and
SleepSense Sleep Lab Sensors for Latin America

Automated External Defibrillator

Additional Cardiac Care Considerations:

One other possibility for those willing to invest (or a group of ex-Pats) in additional protection is something called an automated external defibrillator (AED). This device is essentially an automated version of a hospital defibrillator used to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

When SCA strikes, the electrical system of the heart short circuits, causing the heart to quiver rather than pump in a normal rhythm. It typically results in the abnormal heart rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation (VF). It usually happens without warning and the majority of people have no previously recognized symptoms of heart disease. And it most often happens at home. For the best chance of survival from SCA caused by VF, a defibrillator should be used within 5 minutes. Yet, less than 1 in 20 people survive largely because a defibrillator does not arrive in time.

We found one manufacturer with a Spanish language voice prompt in their model line. Defibtech, LLC is a leading innovator in the field of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The company designs and manufactures the award-winning, FDA-approved, Lifeline™ and ReviveR™ brands of defibrillators and related accessories. Click here to see product demos and instructional video.

For ex-Pats this may be considered a possible donation to the local community if the technology is not currently available or it may be that a local bed and breakfast or hotel may wish to purchase a unit for their use. This is a no-brainer for anyone with a preexisting condition and living in Latin America.

We suggest that if ex-Pats in a local community can pool their resources, the purchase of one or more of these units will save lives. Try logging on to the Yahoo ex-Pat Healthcare Group to see if anyone is working on this or if the units are in place already. Check out the database for current healthcare capabilities.

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