January 2, 2008–TORONTO–The CPRGlove, a device invented by McMaster University engineering students Corey Centen, Nilesh Patel and Sarah Smith will be tested in clinical trials in early 2008 by The University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Resuscitation Science.

While CPR is widely taught in North America, trainees quickly forget the proper method of performing the life-saving intervention for people suffering sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The glove is aimed at fixing that, using an LCD screen and sensors that tell users where they should place their hands, the depth, force and rate of compressions needed, and the victim’s heart rate. The glove could be used in CPR training, to maintain CPR quality through testing, and in real emergencies. The students aims to make the glove a standard part of first-aid kits.

January 2, 2008–ALBANY–State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District) has joined with Merrick residents Jill and Craig Levine, who founded the Robbie Levine Foundation in memory of their nine year old son who died tragically of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) after rounding the bases and reaching home plate during a little league practice in 2005, to make 2008 the “Year of the Defibrillator.”

“In a cardiac emergency, the difference between life and death is only a matter of minutes. Having defibrillators readily accessible save precious time in helping victims survive a cardiac emergency. The Robbie Levine Foundation’s efforts will go a long way towards raising awareness about the importance of defibrillators. I am pleased to support Jill and Craig in this very worthy cause,” said Senator Fuschillo.