Electrocardiogram

When it comes to instant communication, nothing beats a cell phone — and you don't even have to be talking. At a hospital in Newark, N.J., cardiologists examine electrocardiograms 15 minutes before a patient arrives in the emergency room, thanks to technology that allows paramedics to send results directly to doctors' phones. The system has halved the time it takes to begin treating patients. Says Dr. Bonnie Weiner, president of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions: "Even five or 10 minutes could make a significant difference."