Irish students invent an iPhone portable defibrillator

Posted on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 11:20 AM

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Two secondary school student from Dublin have invented a portable defibrillator attached to an iPhone. The students believe that a pharmaceutical firm could develop a potentially life-saving tool from their prototype.

The students Owen Killian and Lucas Grange, from Belvedere College, have entered their incredible invention into the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin along with entrants from 346 other schools around Ireland.

The device would give three electric shocks to restart the heart and then key data could be relayed through an iPhone application. They believe that sudden deaths of sports stars such as GAA player Cormac McAnallen have shown that cardiac arrest could happen at any time.

Speaking to the Herald, Owen said “Where is a defibrillator at a five-a-side match in the Phoenix Park?...You have to hit the casual events. It's not just in sports clubs. What we need is a huge abundance of these devices all over.

"If you can get 70pc of all health professionals to get this technology, this device is guaranteed to be on every street in Dublin. Statistically, it's going to save lives."

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cillowen | Jan 12, 2011, 07:45 PM EST

this is what is needed - discoveries and means such as we have here - that should have been encouraged down thru the years. Were governmental figures worth their salt they should have thought about programs by which to excite the youth of Erin to be all that they might be. For years I've wondered why centers were not put in place (especially during good times) across Ireland - at least have one positioned in each of the four provinces for starters. Centers where the best and brighest would come together to explore means such as the example that is presented here and to enrich themselves and Ireland as a consequence of pooling educated brains. The brain drain is now freely flowing to benefit other nations while the homeland of past heroes is set back to being the laughing stock of the world. The ripoffski politicians and their supporters who've feathered their own nests still get a pass by the sheep. Jesus words on "feed my lambs and sheep" seemed hopeful but in nutty Erin - its off to other lands with their partner and chillun. I see a great opportunity for many were they to head for Queensland - much work to be had given the disaster that befell the proud people in that unfortunate but wonderful land. There is enough Irish blood flowing thru the veins of a goodly number of Aussies which should help the new wave of souls feel as one in their new homeland. Being away for the queen's arrival in Erin this year should not be too much of a bother since she is more than likely to pop in to Australia where is devoutly loved. SEEMS IRISHCENTRAL WONT ALLOW FOR MY REVIEW OF WHAT I TYPED - So I take my chances -- here goes

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