Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator (AED) Review
I've deducted a star only for the still expensive price.
As a volunteer EMT-B, I won't quibble with the general ineffectiveness of CPR by itself (without immediate defibrillation) cited by the one star reviewer. But this reviewer citing the New England Journal of Medicine HAT study (April 2008) with regard to this product is a little silly. If you're concerned about overall health policy or making a substantial dent in the enormous epidemic of sudden cardiac death in this country, putting AEDs only in the homes of those who had a myocardial infarction but subsequently been deemed healthy enough not to get an implantable defibrillator (essentially the study sample) would perhaps not give you the biggest bang for your (or your government's) buck. If, on the other hand, you or a loved one does not have an implanted defibrillator and you believe yourself or a loved one to be at risk for sudden cardiac death, because of family history and age, etc., surely it can be acknowledged that having a device like this on hand (yes, if you can personally afford it) would add to one's peace of mind. Here's the key fact in the HAT study, mentioned even in the NEJM editorial that accompanies the HAT study (which in some ways had a problematic sample): The AED was used in 29 unresponsive patients, a shock was advised and delivered in 14 patients, and "only" 4 of whom were long-term survivors. The simple math here is an almost 14% survival rate. That's well above the 1, 2, or even 5% survival rates reported without an AED. That's the families/loved ones/care providers of 29 sudden cardiac arrest victims who don't have to wonder if an AED would have made a difference (since clearly they do in a substantial percentage of cases). Think it was worth it to any of the 4 folks for whom this device defibrillated their heart rhythm? Think those at NBC and Tim Russert's family would have rather had an AED on hand on Friday at the studio rather than having to wait for DC EMS to arrive to attempt defibrillation? When something as shocking and tragic as a sudden cardiac arrest happens to you or someone you care about, you ideally want to know that you (or someone) have done everything that could have been done. While eventual death is a certainty for all of us, and we cannot be held accountable for what we do not know and for controlling all circumstances and we can't have an ambulance follow us around every minute of our lives, if you are unable to say that a defibrillation was attempted with a device capable of doing so within three minutes of collapse, you can't know everything was done that could have been done as an AED clearly raises survival rates substantially over CPR alone, even in such a small sample (and in many ways severely problematic sample) as provided by the HAT study in the NEJM. Other studies have shown a far greater impact of essentially the same device when it is installed in airports and other public places. AEDs are the first things to come along to actually help with survival rates in a response/rescue situation. Weigh the price point, certainly, but know that AEDs like this one have saved many lives that otherwise would not have been saved. If price weren't a factor, these should be in every home. Hopefully, some day they'll be as common and affordable as fire extinguishers.
Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator (AED) Feature
- Reliably runs daily self-tests for readiness
- Cardiac arrest strikes, heartstart gives you the power to help save a life
- Safely delivers a shock only if needed
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator (AED) Overview
Please Note: There will be a 0 re-stocking fee on all returns of this item.
Used to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), who are not responsive and not breathing normally. If in doubt apply the pads. Treats the most common cause of SCA by delivering a shock to the heart. Use HeartStart and CPR, as needed, until emergency professionals arrive.
Easy To Use - Guides you with interactive voice prompts
Safe - Delivers a shock only if needed
Reliable - Runs daily self-tests for readiness
Important: With sudden cardiac arrest, every minute counts. Make sure your HeartStart Home Defibrillator is set up and ready for use in an emergency.
Contents:
"Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator (an automated external defibrillator or AED)"
Red carry case with 911/EMS card
Adult SMART Pads cartridge (lasts 2 years)**
Battery (lasts 4 years)***
Training video
5-year warranty
Facts you need to know about adult SCA:
For the best chance of survival, a defibrillator should be applied within 5 minutes.
Less than 5% of SCA victims survive. This is largely because defibrillators don't reach them in time.
Nearly 80% of all SCA's occur at home.
HeartStart user considerations:
You cannot use the HeartStart to treat yourself.
Users may need to perform CPR.
Responding to cardiac arrest may require you to kneel.
Voice instructions and enclosed materials are in English*.
HeartStart provides audible and visible indicators if the device requires maintenance.
If you have concerns about your health or an existing medical condition, talk to your doctor. A defibrillator is not a replacement for seeking medical advice.
Who should own a HeartStart?
Anyone who wants to be prepared.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the U.S. The majority of victims have no previously recognized symptoms of heart disease - SCA typically strikes without warning.
A defibrillator will not
Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator (AED) Specifications
The Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator. It's the latest in essential safety equipment. Fire extinguishers. Seat belts. Airbags. Home security systems. All essential safety equipment to protect yourself and your loved ones. You know they are there, silently standing by, just in case. They give you peace of mind so that you can focus on life's good things.
 Step 1: After calling 911, grab HeartStart and place it next to the victim. Pull the green handle to begin the automated voice instructions. |
 Step 2: Remove clothing from the patient's torso. Cut clothing if needed. It is important that the patient's chest is bare. |
 Step 3: Peel open the protective cover and take out the white adhesive pads. |
 Step 4: Look closely at the pictures on the white adhesive pads. Follow the voice instructions to remove the pads from the yellow plastic liner and place exactly as shown in the pictures on the victim's chest. |
 Step 5: Once the pads are in place, HeartStart will automatically analyze the victim's heart rhythm and determine if a shock is needed. If a shock is required, press the flashing orange button to deliver the shock. Do not touch the patient until you are instructed that it is safe to do so. |
 Step 6: If needed, begin CPR. Press the flashing blue button for step-by-step CPR coaching. Continue to follow HeartStart's instructions until professional emergency responders arrive. |
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Be prepared for the unexpected.
When sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes, the electrical system of the heart short circuits, causing the heart to quiver rather than pump in a normal rhythm. It typically results in the abnormal heart rhythm know as ventricular fibrillation (VF). It usually happens without warning and the majority of people have no previously recognized symptoms of heart disease. And it most often happens at home. For the best chance of survival from SCA caused by VF, a defibrillator should be used within 5 minutes. Yet, less than 1 in 20 people survive largely because a defibrillator does not arrive in time.
Just as seat belts or airbags do not save every life in a traffic accident, a defibrillator will not save every person who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest. Yet many lives could be saved if more people could be reached more quickly.
HeartStart was designed with you in mind.
That's why we created the HeartStart Home Defibrillator. This award-winning safety equipment has been designed so that virtually anyone can use it to help save the life of a person who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.
Clear, calm voice instructions talk you through each step. HeartStart senses and adapts the instructions based on your actions. Using sophisticated technology, HeartStart quickly decides whether a shock is necessary. It is designed to only deliver a shock if needed. It will even coach you through the steps of CPR.
Like other essential safety equipment, you buy HeartStart hoping that you never have to use it. Yet in that moment you need it, HeartStart must be ready. It performs comprehensive daily self-tests. You can check its status at a glance. Virtually no maintenance is required.
Who should have a HeartStart?
Anyone who wants a safer home.
Consider the other essential safety equipment you own to protect your loved ones in case of an emergency. Fire extinguishers. Seat belts. Airbags. Now consider the likelihood of needing this equipment.
HeartStart Home Defibrillator Contents:
- Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator
- Red carry case with 911/EMS card
- Adult SMART Pads cartridge* (lasts 2 years)
- Battery (lasts 4 years)
- Training video
- Free discount coupons for CPR training at American Heart Association, American Red Cross or Medic First Aid
- 5-year warranty
*The Infant/Child pads cartridge is sold separately, and available by prescription only. Contact Philips at 1-866-333-4246 for more information or to order.
A Support Program Enrollment Card is also included. By enrolling in this free program, you will have access to a range of services, including:
- Important notifications about HeartStart
- Customer service*
- Periodic accessory reminders
- Post-use counseling*
*These services are available to all HeartStart owners.Philips will send you a free Fast Response Kit (over value) for enrolling in the Support Program.
Consider these things before your purchase:
- If you have questions or concerns about your health, or an existing medical condition, please talk with your doctor. A defibrillator does not take the place of seeking medical care.
- You cannot use the HeartStart to treat yourself.
- Users may need to perform CPR.
- Responding to cardiac arrest may require you to kneel.
- Voice instructions and enclosed materials are in English.
- HeartStart provides audible and visible indicators when maintenance is required.
Indications for Use: HeartStart is used to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) who are not responsive and not breathing normally. If in doubt, apply the pads. The HeartStart treats the most common cause of SCA by delivering a shock to the heart. Use HeartStart and CPR, as needed, until emergency professionals arrive.
If you have concerns about your health or an existing medical condition, please talk to your doctor. A defibrillator is not a replacement for seeking medical care.
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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 14, 2010 23:35:07
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