On Mon, 9 Apr 2007 11:23:08 -0700, "Capt. JG"
wrote:



I've been watching the prices, but even $950 is just too high. I'm certified
in their use, but I just can't justify it, since 90% of the sailing I do is
within easy response range. I ask about known medical conditions before we
leave the dock, but of course anything can happen.

As you say, some of these medical aids are a judgement call. There
was a great story around here (it was in Deerfield, IL) in 2001 where
a healthy 13 year old Little Leaguer got hit in the chest by a liner
and it stopped his heart. Two physicians watching the game couldn't
get it started and the kid was a goner. In the meantime a distraught
woman walked away from the scene and saw a Deerfield police car
cruising nearby, and she waved him down. The department had just
bought a defib and it happened to be in that car.
The cop quickly got the boy's heart going, and he fully recovered.
One of those miracles, it seems.

--Vic