External defibrillator with communications network link

A defibrillator system comprising an external defibrillator, a defibrillator communicator and a communication network. In a preferred embodiment, the defibrillator comprises electrodes, an energy source and a controller, with the controller comprising an ECG signal analyzer and means for local actuation of the defibrillator to deliver an electrical pulse from the energy source to the electrodes. The communication network comprises a communication station, preferably a computer with a modem, and signal carriers, such as telephone lines, so that information can be transmitted from the communicator to the communication station. Likewise, the defibrillator communicator comprises means for automatically transmitting information to the communication station in response to deployment of the defibrillator. In alternative embodiments, additional information (such as patient ECG data and defibrillator operation data) is sent from the communicator to the communication station, and information (such as use instructions) is sent from the communication station to the communicator. The invention also includes a method of operating such a defibrillator system.