The kiosk-based network, known as EMS-TV, provides full-motion video capabilities as well as branded health information, coupons, rebates and other promotional materials.

EMSI will be installing approximately 400 devices this fall in schools in Ecorse, Saline, Benton Harbor, Hartford, Wyoming, Lawrence, Webberville, Montabella, Galesburg and Belmont-Harrison. The company has submitted contracts and expects signed agreements with a number of other schools districts across the state.

"We're seeing a tremendous amount of interest in our systems, which are helping a number of school districts fulfill their critical emergency health needs," explains C. Kevin Coonce, president and CEO of EMSI.

"Faced with budgetary restrictions, many districts have severely curtailed school nursing staffs, forcing a greater reliance on local EMS crews to handle medical emergencies. Our systems offer an immediate, on-premise solution to life-threatening incidents, whether it's sudden cardiac arrests, chokings, water-related accidents, seizures and many other emergencies."

Mr. Coonce explains that with sudden cardiac arrest, a victim's chance for survival decreases 10 percent with each passing minute.

Since extreme neurological damage sets in after six minutes, EMS crews need to reach victims with AED equipment within that time frame.

"Unfortunately, the average EMS response time in the U.S. is 10 to 12 minutes, which greatly minimizes survival rates for many victims of sudden cardiac arrest," he adds. It is estimated that roughly 350,000 Americans suffer sudden cardiac arrest each year.

Mark Maloney, executive vice president with EMSI, notes that many school districts are also attracted by the financial incentives of the company's systems.

The American Heart Association estimates the total cost of purchasing an AED, as well as training, medical authorization, insurance and other costs at close to $6,000 per unit, with an additional $1,000 per year for maintaining each unit.

"EMSI covers the entire cost of the units and actually pays the school district $900 per year for each AED we install, recouping our costs through the sale of local advertising on the kiosk's satellite TV network," he describes.

"Schools are allotted a portion of network time to run their own programs and announcements. We supplement sponsor-promoted material and school programming with public service spots, local news, weather and other non-commercial content."

Mr. Maloney notes there has already been significant interest on the part of local businesses in these school districts to team up with EMSI to sponsor network programming.

The EmergencyMedicalStation units, which feature 17-inch LCD screens, are also being targeted for use by retailers, pharmacies and in other high-traffic public locations.

Mr. Maloney explains that should an emergency occur in a location with an EMS-TV installation, a passer-by pushes a prominent red button on the kiosk and a paramedic appears - in real-time - on the network screen.

The paramedic can assess the situation via two-way audio/visual communications and, if warranted, provide access to the defibrillator stored within the kiosk. Local EMS sources are simultaneously alerted.

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