DFIB Cardiac Science (MM)

New State Laws Mandate AED Deployment Legislators in New York, Rhode Island, Louisiana Require AEDs in Public Facilities IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cardiac Science, Inc. (NASDAQ:DFIB), a leading manufacturer of life-saving automated public access defibrillators (AEDs), today announced that legislators in three states -- New York, Rhode Island and Louisiana -- in recognition of the life-saving potential AEDs offer against sudden cardiac arrest, have recently passed laws specifically mandating the deployment of AEDs in various public places and facilities. In New York, the state amended its general public buildings law to now require all state buildings and state institutions to deploy at least one AED on the premises. The bill noted that a Senate Investigation Committee probe concluded that "the greater acquisition, deployment and use of automated external defibrillators in New York can save thousands of people from otherwise certain death from heart attacks." In Rhode Island, the state mandated all health clubs registered with the Department of the Attorney General have at least one AED on the premises and be easily accessible to the staff, members and guests. The law also stipulates that at least one employee properly trained in the use of AEDs be on hand at all times. In Louisiana, a new state law requires all physical fitness facilities, including clubs, studios, health spas, weight control centers, clinics, figure salons, tanning centers, athletic or sport clubs, YWCA and YMCA organizations, keep an AED accessible on site. The state law also requires all institutions of higher education that compete in intercollegiate athletics have an AED on the premises of the athletic department. "The action these states have taken demonstrates that elected officials and civic leaders are becoming aware of the value of AEDs and that AED deployment should be made a part of public health policy," said Raymond W. Cohen, Chairman and CEO of Cardiac Science. "While legislation of this nature has been in discussion in many states around the nation, we are finally starting to see specific legislation passed that actually mandates the deployment of AEDs in specific locales in the community. To date, it is estimated that thousands of citizens have already been saved because an AED was nearby when they fell victim to cardiac arrest, and it is safe to say that none of those people knew ahead of time where they would be when they were stricken. "We believe it's only a matter of time before all states require AEDs to be accessible to average citizens in our schools, public buildings, public transportation and places where people gather," Cohen added. "Clearly, this creates demand for AEDs and is good news for Cardiac Science. We intend to aggressively compete for this business." About the Legislation In New York, Assembly Bill A04421 (http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=a04421), mandating the deployment of AEDs in state institutions and buildings, was signed by Gov. George Pataki on September 28, 2004. It is scheduled to go into effect on April 1, 2005. The Rhode Island Bill, H7156 (http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext/billtext04/housetext04/h7156.htm), mandating AED deployment in health clubs, nursing homes and other facilities, was introduced in January 2004 and became effective in July 2004. In Louisiana, House Bill 1584 (http://www.legis.state.la.us/leg_docs/04RS/CVT7/OUT/0000LWNR.PDF), mandating automated external defibrillators (AEDS) be located on the premises of physical fitness facilities, was introduced in April 2004 by Representative Cedric L. Richmond (D) from the 101st Congressional District. It was signed into law as Act No. 885 in July 2004. About Cardiac Science Cardiac Science develops, manufactures and markets a complete line of Powerheart(R) brand, automated public access defibrillators (AEDs), and offers comprehensive AED/CPR training and AED program management services that facilitate successful deployments. The company makes the Powerheart(R) CRM(TM), the only FDA-cleared therapeutic patient monitor that instantly and automatically treats hospitalized cardiac patients who suffer life-threatening heart rhythms. Cardiac Science also manufactures its AED products on a private label basis for other leading medical companies such as Nihon Kohden (Japan), Quinton Cardiology Systems and GE Healthcare. For more information please visit http://www.cardiacscience.com/ or call 1.949.797.3800. This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, from time to time the company, or its representatives, have made or may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. The words "estimate," "potential," "intended," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," and similar expressions or words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the achievement of future revenue growth and the lowering of the company's breakeven revenue level by the third quarter. Cardiac Science cautions that these statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties and are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by the forward-looking statements and should not be relied upon by investors when making an investment decision. Information on these and other factors is detailed in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2003, subsequent quarterly filings, and other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contact: Matt Clawson (Investors), or Len Hall (Media) Allen & Caron Inc. (949) 474-4300 Michael Gioffredi Chief Marketing Officer Cardiac Science, Inc. (949) 797-3800 DATASOURCE: Cardiac Science, Inc. CONTACT: investors, Matt Clawson, , or media, Len Hall, , both of Allen & Caron Inc., for Cardiac Science, Inc., +1-949-474-4300; or Michael Gioffredi, Chief Marketing Officer of Cardiac Science, Inc., +1-949-797-3800, Web site: http://www.cardiacscience.com/

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