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.

Defibtech LifeLine AED; Automated External Defibrillator, SCA, Purchasing AED, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, CPR

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. Over the course of six weeks, we will review the top six AEDs on the market today.

One of the most user friendly devices on the market today is Defibtech Lifeline AED. With its bright yellow color, built in handle, large buttons and clear voice prompts, the Lifeline has been designed to be clearly visible, easy to transport and very easy to use.

The Defibtech LifeLine has text, lights, and voice prompts to assist the responder through the rescue. This feature makes it easy for any responder, trained or not, to feel confident during a rescue that he or she will be able to help save a life.

The Defibtech LifeLine has pre-connected adult pads. The pads sit in a pocket in the back of the AED so that they are ready for use at any time. The Defibtech LifeLine offers a 5 year battery or a 7 year battery for its AED.

The newest feature on the Defibtech LifeLine is the CPR Coaching Metronome. The metronome feature helps the responder know the rhythm of the CPR compressions and how often to give them.

The Defibtech LifeLine has an IP rating of 55. This IP rating is one of the highest IP ratings for an AED. The IP ratings vary from AED to AED. When an AED receives its IP rating it means that, that particular AED has been put through the solid (dust) and water particle test.

The Defibtech LifeLine 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.

Some of the major business sectors that have equipped themselves with the Defibtech LifeLine include the following:

• School Districts
• Construction Companies
• Government Entities
• Churches

HeartSafe America assists organizations all over the United States with implementing their AED Programs. One of the organizations that HeartSafe America has worked with is Pearland ISD, a school district in Texas. Pearland ISD owns the Defibtech LifeLine AEDs, and this school district has recently had to use the Defibtech LifeLine AED to receive a student who was at practice for his sport and collapsed. The student went into Sudden Cardiac Arrest and because Pearland ISD had the Defibtech LifeLine on site, this student had a fighting chance. This student survived Sudden Cardiac Arrest due to the fact that there was an AED present.

To view more about this story, CLICK HERE.

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about the Defibtech LifeLine 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.

AEDs in the workplace; automated external defibrillators, sudden cardiac arrest, SCA, CPR Training, OSHA

Many organizations struggle with the thought of purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the workplace due to the fact that many organizations are unaware of what the AED’s purpose is and how it can save lives. Understanding the benefit of an AED in the workplace could save a life.

Is there a benefit of having AEDs in the work place?

The answer to this question is absolutely!

In our continuous effort to educate the public about the benefits of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), HeartSafe recently blogged about the American Heart Association’s three minute from “drop to shock” rule. This clearly illustrates the benefit of having AEDs in the work place for several reasons.

It is a common misconception that local EMS are able to respond to the scene of an accident immediately. It is important to realize that the national average response time for local EMS ranges anywhere from 6 to 12 minutes. Being aware of this information is key to survival. With every minute that passes, a victim in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) loses a 7%-10% chance of survival if not defibrillated. Unfortunately, a victim is facing only a 40% chance of survival if EMS arrives at the six-minute mark.

Envision a normal office setting and your colleague or business partner is sitting in a cubicle next to you and all of the sudden he starts having chest pains and loss of breath. He then falls out of his chair on to the floor unconscious. It appears he has had a heart attack which has lead to cardiac arrest. You immediately call 911 and the clock starts ticking. You quickly retrieve the AED onsite, begin CPR, then apply the pads of the AED on the chest and follow the guidance the AED verbally gives you to begin treatment. The device begins analyzation and tells you to push the shock button to deliver the first shock. Your colleague comes to and appears to wake up. You continue to care for him until EMS has arrived, but he is now conscious and can answer you when you speak to him. EMS finally arrives after 8 minutes and begins to care for him.

This example provides clarity on why having AED’s in the work place is a necessity! An article by the Department of Labor Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) states that in 1999 – 2000 815 out of 6339 fatalities (13%) in the work place were due to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The conclusions of this article determined that “The earlier defibrillation is administered, the better chance at survival for the victim.” The proper placement and implementation of AEDs and CPR/AED Heartsaver training in the work environment helps “bridge” the gap between the time a victim has a cardiac event, to the time when EMS arrives on the scene to take over.

CLICK HERE to view the OSHA article.

Understanding what Sudden Cardiac Arrest is and accepting that it can affect anyone, at any age, at any given moment emphasizes the importance of AEDs in the work place. After all, the life you save may be great friend or colleague.

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about the benefits of AEDs in the work place. HeartSafe America's goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.

Defibtech Voluntary Recall; AED, Automated External Defibrillator, Battery Pack

Defibtech, manufacture of the LifeLine and the ReviveR automated external defibrillators (AEDs), has issued a voluntary recall on 5,000+ DBP-2800 Battery Packs.

Defibtech has issued a voluntary recall on 5,000+ DBP-2800 Battery Packs that were manufactured prior to June 2007. The reason for the voluntary recall is due to the fact that the automated external defibrillator (AED) may falsely detect an error condition during the charging for a shock and it could cancel the shock therapy even though it may be needed.

Defibtech has secured the serial numbers for all the affected DBP-2800 Battery Packs manufactured prior to June 2007. To see if your DBP-2800 Battery Pack is affected, CLICK HERE.

If your DBP-2800 Battery Pack is one of the affected battery packs, please contact Defibtech for details about getting the battery pack issue corrected as soon as possible.

To view more details about the Defibtech Voluntary Recall, CLICK HERE.

Contact HeartSafe America today for all your Defibtech AED and AED replacement accessory needs. HeartSafe America’s goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.

AED Replacement Accessories; Expiring AED Parts, Automated External Defibrillator, Good Samaritan

All Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have pads and batteries with expiration dates and must be replaced according to the expiration date.

Once an organization or company has equipped themselves with an automated external defibrillator (AED), it is imperative that inspections are performed on a monthly basis. Not only are monthly inspections a prerequisite for the Good Samaritan law, but it also reminds the organization when the pads and batteries expire.

Below are some commonly asked questions regarding replacement parts.

Why do my AED electrode pads expire?

• AED electrode pads are comprised of an adhesive gel and tin. Once they exceed their expiration date, they may not be able to function properly or will lose their ability to “stick” to a victim. Manufacturers cannot guarantee that the pads will function past their expiration date. Just like a band aid, AED electrode pads tend to dry out faster once exposed to air.

When do my pads expire?

• AED pads expire typically every two years. Manufacturers such as HeartSine and Zoll use a different formula which allows the pads to last longer than two years.

How often will I have to replace my batteries?

• Like the electrode pads, each manufacturer has a different expiration date. Battery expiration dates or shelf life can vary anywhere from 2 years to 7 years. The battery shelf life is not a set date and varies manufacturer to manufacturer. The shelf life date can usually be found on the battery.

Does my AED battery have an expiration date listed on it?

• Yes. Most batteries have an expiration date with the exception of Cardiac Science. Cardiac Science lists when the battery was manufactured versus the battery shelf life.

Should I purchase an extra set of pads or battery?

• This is not a legal statue or precedent that requires a spare pad be available. However, it is always a good idea to have an extra battery or set of pads, just in case the primary is not functionality proper. Most manufacturers will include a spare set of pads in their initial AED Ship Set.

Contact HeartSafe America today to find out more about replacement accessories for your AED or to place an order for your replacement accessories. HeartSafe America's goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.

Philips Voluntary Recall; AED, Automated External Defibrillator, Defibrillator

Philips has announced a voluntary recall on the Philips HeartStart OnSite and the Philips HeartStart FRx automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

The Philips voluntary recall that has been issued is for a small amount of affected Philips OnSites and Philips FRx AEDs. The reason for this voluntary recall is due to the fact that a relay in the devices is not up to Philips' performance standards. The affected relays came from one manufacture and were in a single lot. There have been no reports of the device's relay failing, but the potential of failure does not meet Philips' standards.

The Philips AEDs that were affected by the recall were manufactured during March 2010. Philips is contacting the customers directly in regards to this matter.

If you have not been contacted and you are concerned that your AED may be part of the recall, you can input your serial number and it will search their system to verify that your AED is or is not on the recall list. Click here to input your serial number.

It read more about the recall, please CLICK HERE.

Contact HeartSafe America if you have any questions regarding your AED, AED replacement accessories, or general questions about AEDs and Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Our goal is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how AEDs can increase the survival rate.