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Heartstream: The New Leader in Emergency Care

On January 14, 2026, Emergency Care Holdings (ECH) marked a significant milestone by launching Heartstream as an independent company dedicated to improving emergency care technologies. This development follows ECH's acquisition of the Philips Emergency Care business from Royal Philips, establishing the groundwork for a focused initiative aimed at advancing life-saving emergency medical products.

Heartstream's mission is clear: to significantly enhance survival rates from cardiac arrests, improve clinical outcomes in emergency situations, cut costs for healthcare systems, and alleviate pressure on healthcare professionals. According to Ryan Landon, CEO of Heartstream, the goal is to make emergency care simpler and more efficient for first responders and users globally.

With a notable legacy that encompasses over a century of innovative cardiac monitoring and more than four decades in defibrillator solutions, Heartstream combines expertise derived from industry leaders such as Hewlett-Packard, Agilent Technologies, and Royal Philips. The company is known for introducing groundbreaking innovations like the first 12-lead ECG algorithm and the first biphasic defibrillation waveform, which has since become a standard in the field. Moreover, it was the first to obtain an over-the-counter designation for its defibrillator from the FDA, broadening access where sudden cardiac events frequently occur.

As it steps into its new role under the ECH umbrella, Heartstream commits to continuing the production and marketing of trusted emergency care products, including HeartStart AEDs, Tempus and Intrepid patient monitoring systems, and advanced software solutions. It will operate under a multi-year licensing agreement with Philips, ensuring brand continuity as it transitions to independence.

The urgency of addressing sudden cardiac arrest cannot be overstated. The American Heart Association reports that approximately 72% of incidents happen outside medical facilities, with survival rates falling below 10% as per the CDC. Alarmingly, less than 1% of households have access to a defibrillator, highlighting a significant gap in preparedness.

With a renewed focus and financial backing, Heartstream is poised to expand the accessibility of AEDs across various public venues and households. Plans include broadening its operational reach, enhancing supply chain resilience, modernizing digital health solutions, strengthening partnerships with distributors, driving customer-centric innovations, and expanding support services and clinical education.

Landon emphasizes that being part of Emergency Care Holdings equips Heartstream to lead the future of emergency medical care. ECH’s strategic vision provides the necessary focus and investment to reinforce operations and accelerate their mission. At the heart of Heartstream's efforts is a deep respect for everyone who interacts with their solutions, including patients, healthcare providers, and emergency personnel, underscoring their commitment to making a tangible difference in life-threatening situations.

About Heartstream

Heartstream, with a storied past of innovation, strives to be a global leader within the emergency medical sector. Originating as Philips' Emergency Care business, Heartstream has transitioned to a standalone entity supported by Emergency Care Holdings. The organization remains dedicated to manufacturer emergency care products under the Philips name via a long-term licensing agreement. Guided by a human-centered design philosophy, Heartstream aims to provide practical and user-friendly solutions for urgent medical needs. This singular focus on patient care ensures that their technologies remain not only effective but also accessible where they are most needed.

For more information about Heartstream and its cutting-edge emergency medical technologies, visit www.heartstream.com.

About Emergency Care Holdings

Emergency Care Holdings (ECH) is a consortium developed by Bridgefield Capital to acquire and scale top-notch companies within the emergency medical product domain. ECH is dedicated to refining operations, boosting innovation, and widening access to life-saving technologies that are critical for first responders and communities worldwide. For more details, please visit www.emergencycareholdings.com.