Leading the Charge to Help Save Lives

The National Center for Early Defibrillation

Emergency physicians Vince N. Mosesso, Jr. and Paul M. Paris established the National Center for Early Defibrillation (NCED), a not-for-profit information resource center based at the University of Pittsburgh, in January 2000. NCED's mission is to foster optimal immediate care for victims of sudden cardiac arrest by providing leadership, expertise and information related to early defibrillation.

NCED advisors include noted experts Lance Becker, MD, Allan Braslow, PhD, Jim Christenson, MD, Mickey Eisenberg, MD, Keith Griffiths, Richard Lazar, Esq., Joan Mellor, Joseph Ornato, MD, and Roger White, MD. Mary Newman serves as executive director.

NCED was inititated with a major grant from The Medtronic Foundation. It has since secured funding from the Asmund S. Laerdal Foundation and five AED companies, including Medtronic Physio-Control, Laerdal Companies Worldwide, Philips Medical Systems, Zoll Medical Corporation and Cardiac Science. NCED also has received funding from several AED training organizations including the American Heart Association, the American Safety & Health Institute and EMP International/Medic First Aid. NCED is neutral with regard to defibrillation products, training and servcies, working collaboratively with all interested organizations having a common interest in improviing survival from sudden cardiac arrest.

NCED's primary resource is its website which offers comprehensive information on sudden cardiac arrest and early defibrillation. Sections address such topics as new and events, conducting community assessments, program implementation, scientific literature, state and federal AED laws, legal liability issues, funding, medical direction, training, device options and demonstrations, model AED programs and survivor stories.

NCED also provides consultation services by phone or by e-mail and provides AED medical direction services in Western Pennsylvania.