Philips becomes an official medical equipment provider of the New York Yankees

State-of-the-art X-ray room and AEDs to provide medical care for players and fans at Yankee Stadium

New York, N.Y., USA – Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today announced an agreement to become an official medical equipment supplier of the New York Yankees. As part of the agreement, a state-of-the-art digital radiology system was installed inside Yankee Stadium, enabling onsite diagnosis of players by the Yankees medical team. In addition, potentially life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available in both the player areas and in select locations in the Stadium, providing emergency care to fans that might be in need during a game.

The Philips BuckyDiagnost, a technologically-advanced X-ray system, provides onsite X-ray capabilities inside the Yankees clubhouse. The system comes with a tool that creates crisp digital diagnostic images, which are available to team doctors almost instantaneously. The system also has multiple features that reduce unnecessary X-ray exposure while maintaining image quality.

“Determining the extent of an injury quickly and effectively is critical to getting the player the best course of action and onto the road to recovery,” said Christopher Ahmad, M.D., team physician for the New York Yankees. “Having a Philips X-ray system onsite will speed diagnosis and help us determine an appropriate course of treatment for players. Digital images are available within seconds and can be transferred electronically if care is required outside of the clubhouse.”

In addition to the new X-ray room, Yankee Stadium is outfitted with Philips HeartStart FRx Defibrillators. Designed to be easy to use, the AED directs rescuers through the delivery of a potentially life-saving shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. The device guides users through every step with clear, calm voice commands and descriptive visual icons. The FRx also offers on-demand CPR coaching to help the stressed users recall their training and even reminds rescuers to call emergency medical services. Additionally, the device features an infant/child key that can turn it into a pediatric defibrillator, tailoring the voice instructions and therapy to the needs of a small child.

“Rapid treatment in an emergency, particularly for sudden cardiac arrest when minutes can mean the difference between life and death, will help to better serve the fans and we are honored to provide advanced medical technology for Yankee Stadium. We are also privileged to provide onsite X-ray capabilities for the players,” said Brent Shafer, chief executive officer, Philips North America.

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.