AIG Installing Medtronic Automated External Defibrillators

[November 16, 2004]

AIG Installing Medtronic Automated External Defibrillators

REDMOND, Wash. --(Business Wire)-- Nov. 16, 2004 -- Devices to be Installed in New York City Offices to Treat Victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) announced today that American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) has purchased automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to treat those who may suffer from sudden cardiac arrest in the workplace. AIG intends to train employees in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), emergency oxygen, and in the use of the LIFEPAK(R) CR Plus AEDs, which have been placed in all of the AIG's New York City area offices.

"We see the implementation of the LIFEPAK Heart Safe Solution as a potentially life saving component of our company's overall emergency preparedness and employee safety program," said Ron Mahaffey, Chief Security Officer of AIG.

Although not everyone survives sudden cardiac arrest, studies show that early defibrillation can dramatically improve survival rates. LIFEPAK Heart Safe Solutions can help companies decrease overall response time to victims of sudden cardiac arrest. It generally takes six to 12 minutes for the average U.S. emergency medical services (EMS) team to arrive at the scene of a medical emergency. Survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest decrease by about seven to 10 percent every minute defibrillation is delayed. Companies install AEDs in their facilities in order to treat employees suffering from sudden cardiac arrest within three to five minutes as is recommended by the American Heart Association.

"By implementing our LIFEPAK Heart Safe Solutions, AIG has shown it is an industry leader when it comes to safeguarding the health and welfare of its employees," said Robert White, president of Medtronic's Emergency Response Systems business unit.

The LIFEPAK Heart Safe Solution is a complete package of services that integrates the components necessary to bring lifesaving AED technology to workplaces across the country. This unique Medtronic solution assists companies in meeting federal, state and local AED requirements.

In August of 2003, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) surveyed 400 of its members working in major corporations and businesses and found that 34 percent of those who have implemented an AED program have used their AED at least once in order to help save a life. The survey also showed that 66 percent of victims of sudden cardiac arrest in the workplace were successfully revived.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 13 percent of work place fatalities--more than 400 per year--are caused by sudden cardiac arrest. Of the victims, OSHA estimates that 160, or 40 percent, could be saved by defibrillation within five minutes. Every year, SCA strikes up to 450,000 people in the U.S. alone.

To purchase a LIFEPAK AED, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires the purchaser to consult a physician and secure a prescription for the device. Medtronic recommends all AED users attend formal CPR/AED training provided by a nationally recognized training center.

About AIG

AIG is the world's leading international insurance and financial services organization, with operations in approximately 130 countries and jurisdictions.

About Medtronic

Medtronic's Emergency Response Systems business unit, located in Redmond, Wash., pioneered defibrillation technology nearly 50 years ago. With 475,000 LIFEPAK defibrillators distributed worldwide, it is the world's leading provider of external defibrillators for the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. To find out more about AEDs and LIFEPAK Heart Safe Solutions, go to www.medtronic-ers.com or call 1-800-442-1142.

Medtronic, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is the world's leading medical technology company, providing lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease. For more information about Medtronic, visit www.medtronic.com or call 1-800-328-2518.

Any statements made about the company's anticipated financial results and regulatory approvals are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2004. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

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