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How a Hardware Designer Was Saved By His Own Creation

szczys writes Would you do a better job designing hardware if your life depended on it? Chris Nefcy is in that exact position. Years ago he developed an Automatic External Defibrilator for First Medic. The device allows non-doctors to restart a human heart in the field. When Chris had a heart attack his ticker was restarted with shocks from his own hardware. His story isn't just heartwarming, he also covers the path that led him into developing the AED and the bumpy road encountered getting the hardware to market.

4 of 60 comments (clear)

  1. soooo by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    does that mean nobody can accuse him of being unable to design something to save his own life?

  2. Mandatory Pratchett quote. by bruce_the_loon · · Score: 3, Funny

    Suppose this article inverts the story, but still...

    It's a pervasive and beguiling myth that the people who design instruments of death end up being killed by them. There is almost no foundation in fact. Colonel Shrapnel wasn't blown up, M. Guillotin died with his head on, Colonel Gatling wasn't shot. If it hadn't been for the murder of cosh and blackjack maker Sir William Blunt-Instrument in an alleyway, the rumour would never have got started.

    --
    Trying to become famous by taking photos. Visit my homepage please.
  3. Re:Not automatic by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    The nice thing about AED is that you only need to learn two things about using it: 1. how/where to place the pads, 2. follow what it tells you and make sure everyone is clear of the person getting the shock.

    That's three things.

    You should come in again.

  4. Re:Not automatic by Paradise+Pete · · Score: 4, Funny

    That's three things.
    You should come in again.

    *Nobody* expects to have a heart attack and need to use a defibrillator!