Amazon.com selling home defibrillators

IF YOU ARE a frequent reader of The INQUIRER, and I know I am, you have probably read by now the random phrase displayed above the site content: "I'd love to come for a drink. Where is the nearest defibrillator? - Mike Magee".

The good news is that Magee can probably drink his heart out now, thanks to Philips' new "Hearstart", a "Home Automated External Defibrilator". They didn't put "Home" in there for no reason: you can purchase one to have at home. Dubbed "the first and only defibrillator available over-the-counter that can be used by virtually anyone", the device guides the operator with voice instructions, and "delivers a shock only if needed", or so the sales literature claims.

You can find the device, which retails for $1495 greenbacks with free ground shipping within the continental U.S. prominently displayed in the the online retail giant Amazon.com. Get the device details here, at the web store's new "Health and Personal Care" section. The product description also shows six photos as a quick step-by-step guide, so you can see where the device should fit and where the Magee should lay. So, make sure you order one today, before inviting our editor over for a drink. µ