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.
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