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:
Contact AED-SHOP.com 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.
