<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000887420
<NAME> MEDIQ/PRN LIFE SUPPORT SERVICES, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                                                  
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS                   12-MOS
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<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1998             SEP-30-1997
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