Philips HeartStart OnSite AED, Automated External Defibrillator, Purchase an AED

Purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be a difficult decision with numerous manufacturers to choose from and numerous different features. Therefore, understanding the differences and capabilities of each AED is key to selecting the proper AED for your organization.

The Philips HeartStart OnSite is the first automated external defibrillator (AED) to be cleared by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to be sold without a Physician’s Prescription. This clearance was received due to its ease of use which makes it applicable for business or home placement.

In addition to being easy to use, Philips has also made the Heartstart OnSite very affordable to increase wide spread access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

The Philips HeartStart OnSite has a long-life battery which will last 4 year s installed and 5 years on the shelf. The adult pads are pre-connected and ready for use at any time. The OnSite AED offers an infant/child pad that is to be used on any child 8 years or younger and 55lbs or less. The infant/child pads reduce the amount of energy delivered from the AED.

Furthermore, the Philips HeartStart OnSite has low-energy biphasic therapy which delivers an energy at a protocol of 150 Joules, 150 Joules, 150 Joules. In multiple peer-reviewed studies, this low-energy biphasic therapy has proven to be effective in treating Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) while minimizing post resuscitation heart damage.

In addition, the Philips Heartstart OnSite has countless features which make it one of the best AEDS on the market. However, below are a few key ones:

• “Pull” Tab – The “Pull” tab can be pulled to activate the AED. It is the only AED on the market that has the “Pull” tab feature. Many AED require the responder to push an on/off button to activate the AED.
• CPR Coaching – The OnSite has CPR Coaching. The CPR Coaching feature assists the responder on the frequency and the depth of the compressions.
• “I” Button – The “I” Button serves two purposes on the OnSite AED. The first purpose is to inform the owner of the AED that there is an issue with the AED. If your Philips OnSite AED is beeping, you can push the “I” button, and the AED will inform you as to what the issue is with the AED. The second purpose is to inform the EMS responders of the events of the emergency. The AED will give a recount of the event details that have occurred.
• Self Tests – The Onsite does daily, weekly and monthly self-tests to ensure its functionality. If it passes each, a “green light flashing” will appear signifying that it is “ready for use”.

Finally, due to its ease of use & economical price point, the Philips Heartstart Onsite has become the most widely distributed AED in the world and has proven to be ideal for deployment in the following organizations:

• Schools
• Churches
• Small Businesses
• Gyms

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about the Philips HeartStart OnSite AED and how to implement an AED Program. HeartSafe America's goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs increase the survival rate.

Medtronic/Physio Control LifePak CR+ AED; Automated External Defibrillator, Purchase an AED, AED Program, LifePak, Defibrillator

Purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be a difficult decision with numerous manufacturers to choose from and numerous different features. Therefore, understanding the differences and capabilities of each AED is key to selecting the proper AED for your organization.

As individuals, businesses, churches and other organizations pursue the possibility of obtaining an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), determining which device to purchase can be a little over whelming and confusing. Therefore, our goal is to help you understand the differences & capabilities of each AED. With that being said, today’s blog will take an in depth look at Physio-Control’s LIFEPAK CR Plus.

The LIFEPAK CR Plus Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a device with professional grade functionality, designed specifically for the “lay person” environment. The simple to use CR PLUS AED employs one of the most advanced technologies in defibrillation available on the consumer market. This technology is called “Adaptive Biphasic” and is the same technology used by EMS and hospitals nationwide.

In simple terms, Adaptive means the internal brain of the AED will “adapt” the amount of energy and length of the current based on the victim’s heart rhythm. Biphasic indicates how the current will travel. “Bi” (meaning two) signifies that the current will cross the heart twice, making the shock more effective.

The CR PLUS is available in two configurations, “Semi-Automatic” or “Automatic.” In the semi-automatic configuration, once the pads have been applied to the victim’s chest, the AED will analyze the heart rhythm to determine if a shock is needed. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the CR Plus will advise the rescuer to “push the red flashing button” to deliver a shock.

In the fully-automatic configuration, once the pads have been applied to the victim’s chest, the AED will analyze the heart rhythm to determine if a shock is needed. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the CR Plus will begin charging, instruct the rescuer to “stand back”, and deliver a shock without rescuer assistance. Both versions of the CR Plus are programmed to shock only if one of two rhythms is detected, Ventricular Fibrillation (VFIB) or Ventricular Tachycardia (VTAC).

Both CR Plus configurations employ an escalating energy protocol of:

Shock #1: 200 joules
Shock #2: 300 joules
Shock #3: 360 joules

This protocol is used by a large number of Medical Professionals and has shown to be more effective in defibrillating patients with higher impedance Furthermore, the CR Plus is equipped with pediatric capability which will automatically reduce the amount of energy by 1/3 when the pediatric pads are connected. Pediatric pads are designed to be used on children under the age of 8 years old or 55lbs and under.

Another safety feature of the CR Plus is its motion detection sensor. This safety mechanism determines if the victim is inadvertently being moved or touched by a live person when a shock is about to be delivered. This will prevent the other person from being shocked as well and avoid another potential risk of a problem.

Finally, The LIFEPAK CR Plus is virtually maintenance free and has one date to monitor to replace both the pads and the batteries. If the display window at the top of the device shows “OK”, it is “Rescue Ready”. To avoid power failure and maintain its “Rescue Ready” status, the device has two power sources, a small trickle charge battery and a larger internal battery. The internal battery has the ability to retain a charge for up to another 12 months after the expiration of the trickle charge battery. However, this is NOT recommended by Physio-Control.

The CR Plus has many great features that make it applicable for any public access setting. However, what sets it apart from other AEDs is its ability to adapt to the patient and deliver a highly effective shock. This is why so many of the following organizations have chosen Physio-Control.

• Medical & Healthcare Professionals
• Fortune 1000 Corporations
• Federal & State Agencies
• Law Enforcement Agencies
• School Districts

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about the Medtronic/Physio Control LifePak CR+ and how to implement your AED Program. HeartSafe America's goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.

HeartSine Samaritan PAD AED, Automated External Defibrillator, AED Program, Purchasing an AED

Purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be a difficult decision with numerous manufacturers to choose from and numerous different features. Therefore, understanding the differences and capabilities of each AED is key to selecting the proper AED for your organization.

The HeartSine Samaritan PAD Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a device that’s ideal for any organization. Not only is it the lightest (2.4 lbs) of all the AEDs on the market, but also the most durable. With an IP rating of 56 against dust and water, the HeartSine Samaritan can be exposed to various weather conditions which allows it to be taken virtually anywhere.

Unlike its competitors, the HeartSine Samaritan utilizes PAD-PAKs (adult & pediatric). These PAD-PAKs consist of one set of pad and a battery sealed together with one expiration date. Each PAD-PAK has a lifespan of 3.5 years , keeping the cost of replacement pads/batteries to a minimum. The PAD-PAKs also aviation ready, meaning the HeartSine Samaritan can be used during flight in the event someone experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

The HeartSine Samaritan performs self tests daily, weekly, and monthly to ensure the AED is fully functional. The status indicator light will flash to let the responder know that this AED is rescue ready at any time. With clear voice prompts, the HeartSine Samaritan assists responders during an emergency and allowing the responder to bridge the gap until local EMS arrives. Not only does its lighted visual and audio display help guide the responder step by step, but this feature helps the responder understand what the next step should be. If a shock is needed, the “shock button” illuminates and should be pushed.

A key factor when deciding purchasing any electronic device is the manufacturer’s warranty. The HeartSine offers one of the longest warranties on the market, 7 years. The PAD-PAK itself has a 3 year warranty. The long warranty demonstrates the manufacturer’s extraordinary commitment to quality.

The HeartSine Samarian has the ability to record any event that occurs during its use. It will record the ECG trace and duration, shock delivery information, and the CPR intervals. This information can be downloaded to your computer using the HeartSine Data Cable. Furthermore, the USB data cable can also be used to update the Samaritan to the latest AHA Guidelines.

As you can see, there are many advantages to owning the Heartsine Samaritan. Below is a list of major business sectors that have found to Samaritan to be an ideal fit.

• Electric Companies
• Construction Companies
• School Districts
• Fortune 500 Companies
• Government Entities
• Churches

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about the HeartSine Samaritan PAD AED and how to implement your AED Program. HeartSafe America’s goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.

Philips HeartStart FRx AED; Automated External Defibrillator; AED Program, AED for your organization

Purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be a difficult decision with numerous manufacturers to choose from and numerous different features. Therefore, understanding the differences and capabilities of each AED is key to selecting the proper AED for your organization.

In an effort to help Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) buyers understand the differences and capabilities between defibrillators, HeartSafe America is reviewing the top public access defibrillators on the market. Last week, we began our six part series with the Defibtech Lifeline, whose advantages were ease of use, functional design, CPR Coaching and durability. Today, we will take a look at the Philips Heartstart FRx, the newest member to the Philips Family.

TECHNOLOGY
In designing the FRx, Philips started with the following proven technology used in their Onsite and FR2 AEDs:

• Smart Biphasic Waveform: Philips biphasic waveform delivers a highly effective defibrillation shock that is also gentle to the heart. Its SMART Analysis ensures that the FRx only shocks when it should. After the pads are placed on the body, Smart Analysis automatically assesses the victim’s heart rhythm and if a shockable rhythm is detected, it will advise the responder to press the “flashing orange” shock button. However, if a shockable rhythm is not present, the FRx will prompt the responder to begin CPR and will not deliver a shock even if the orange shock button is pressed.
• Quickshock: If Smart Analysis determines that a shock is needed, Philips Quickshock feature allows the FRx to deliver a shock in approximately 8 seconds. Its ability to charge and deliver a shock so quickly, minimizes the interruption of CPR Chest Compressions, thereby increasing the chance in a successful return to spontaneous circulation.
• CPR Coaching: Whether a shock is delivered or not, effective CPR is vital to saving the victim. However, since CPR is rarely practiced outside of yearly/ bi-yearly renewal courses, having a reminder can be helpful. The FRx’s CPR Coaching proves this reminder with clear voice instructions to assist the responder with CPR basics and a metronome to keep chest compression cadence.

INFANT CHILD CAPABILITY
Every AED on the market today has the ability to reduce the energy level to shock children under the age of 8 years old. Normally, this is achieved using a 2nd set of pads. However, the Philips FRx employs an Infant Child Key which is easier to use, quicker to activate and a cost of ownership savings. The FRx’s Infant Child Key is a major technological advancement and a huge advantage over competitors.

EASE OF USE
Designed for the lay-person, the Philips FRx uses voice prompts, a lighted visual display and CPR Coaching to guide minimally trained responders through the save process. These are the same features which have earned the FRx’s sister device, the Philips Onsite, numerous accolades as the “easiest device for a lay-responders to use”.

DURABILITY
In order to make the Philips FRx applicable for any setting, Philips designed it to be very rugged and durable. With a high rating against water & dust, the Philips FRx can be deployed in environments where rain & solid particles are a factor.

TRAINER OPTION
When purchasing an AED, training your organization with a “like” device is very important. However, most AEDs on the market require that you spend another $300-400 to purchase a separate trainer. Fortunately, the Philips FRx allows you to convert the “live” device into a trainer with the acquisition of training pads. By simply plugging the training pads into the Philips FRx, these pads activate the FRx’s training mode and suspend the defibrillator’s ability to deliver a shock. The training mode allows the user to run eight different training scenarios.

MANUFACTURER STABILITY
When purchasing any product, manufacturer reputation and stability is a huge consideration. Reputation is an indication of how reliable the product is and stability tells you if the company will be around to service the product. With over 100 years in the medical field and over 500,000 AEDs deployed worldwide, Philips is the industry leader and the most stable company in an industry. Therefore, when purchasing Philips AED, consumers will have great confidence that their Philips will work now and in the future.

As you can see, the Philips FRx has been designed to meet the needs of any organization. With innovative technology, clear narration, high durability, trainer option and a very stable manufacturer, the Philips FRx can be considered the best device on the market to deploy in a public access setting. However, we have found that the FRx to ideal for the following organizations:

• Athletic Departments/Teams
• Chemical Plants
• Law Enforcement Agencies
• Electric Companies
• Manufacturing Plants

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about the Philips HeartStart FRx AED and how to implement your AED Program. HeartSafe America’s goal is to educate the public about sudden cardiac arrest and how AEDs increase the survival rate.