SonoSite, a provider of hand-carried ultrasound sysytems for the point-of-care, and Physio-Control, a provider in the development and delivery of emergency medical response solutions, have entered into a market development collaboration for point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency medical services (EMS) market.
SonoSite and Physio-Control said that the alliance will enable SonoSite to expand its presence in the pre-hospital settings with the support of Physio-Control resources and extensive sales force. Under the terms of the agreement, the Physio-Control sales organization will assist in introducing SonoSite’s products to the EMS market.
The implementation of SonoSite’s hand-carried ultrasound systems allows first responders to bring improved care and immediate diagnostics directly to the point of patient care. With the ability to quickly assess, diagnose and triage patients at the scene of an accident, medical personnel in first response vehicles such as ambulances and helicopters will be able to pre-notify hospitals of a patient’s arrival, which could lead to improved clinical outcomes.
Kevin Goodwin, president and CEO of SonoSite, said: “SonoSite intends to maintain and extend its leadership in driving access to point-of-care visualization with our unique solutions. EMS is often the first point-of-care, and the potential to expand the use of ultrasound in this setting for the benefit of clinicians and patients is enormous. We have high confidence that Physio-Control will be a strong partner as we work to develop this market.”
Brian Webster, president of Physio-Control, said: “Physio-Control has introduced many technologies to our EMS customers during that time and our goal is to continue to consistently deliver new clinical innovation to benefit patients. We believe ultrasound may be the next clinical advancement with positive patient care impact in EMS.”