The Philips Heartstart Defibrillator
I have thought about what to do in the event a sudden cardiac arrest happens to someone. I was thinking calling the ambulance and CPR? I wasn't that confident. This led me to research.
I have found that a quick ring to emergency 911 and quick intervention is what is needed.
I have learned that cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. A heart attack is a vessel blockage that disrupts blood flow but cardiac arrest is the heart suddenly stopping to beat. Cardiac arrest can happen with little or no warning at all. Victims do not show any prior symptoms.
What is sad is that the percentage of survival is low. I knew that vital organs especially the brain needs fresh oxygen and if the heart is not revived within minutes the victim may suffer from brain damage.
The good news however is that the earlier an intervention is applied (within minutes) the greater the chances of survival. This lead us to find a safety device called a defibrillating machine. The bestselling device we found was made by a company called Philips Medical Systems. Their device is called the Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator.
What does it do?
The device guides you step-step on what needs to be done or performed. You start by pulling the green handle and a calm voice provides instructions, talking you through each step. HeartStart senses and adapts the instructions based on your actions. The device will analyze the victim's heart rhythm and determine if a shock is needed. It will also coach you through the steps of CPR if and when needed.
Hopefully you will never have to use this but it was made to save a life in an extraordinary situation.
How easy is it to use?
The training video that comes with the unit is excellent. What is important is to stay calm as step by step instructions will be provided. What comes in handy is in the event CPR is required the unit will also provide voice step by step instructions on how to administer CPR.
Here is YouTube video on a demo of the Philips Heartstart Defibrillator.
Reliability
For such a critical piece of equipment you would definitely want it working when it is needed. The Philips heartStart onsite defibrillator has audible and visible light indicators that will alert you when maintenance is required. It actually tests itself daily.
The batteries of this unit can last for 4 years and spare one's can be ordered online.
Portability
The heartStart onsite defibrillator because of it's small size can be easily taken anywhere. It actually weighs a paltry 5.6 pounds. It is easily identified with its own red color carrying case with a 911/EMS card.
What Others Are Saying
This defibrillator has received great reviews from over 70 customers with an average of 4.5 out of 5 from reviewers on Amazon. Here’s what one customer had to say:
Provides a method of monitoring a patient's vital signs, then advising proper steps. The system advised a shock which restored some heart rhythm. We were able to continue artificial respiration until the aircraft landed and medical personnel arrived. (Bryan H.)
Review Paraphrased for size – view more original reviews here: Philips HeartStart AED reviews
What is the Warranty?
The great thing is that this is a known brand and the Philips HeartStart AED comes with a 5-year warranty. Some say this is one of the longest warranty for a portable medical equipment.
Bonuses
It does come with extras. When you enroll in their free support program you get access to a range of services like periodic accessory reminders and post counseling treatments and discount coupons for training at the American Heart Association. You can also get a fast response kit valued at over $40.
Where Can You Buy the Philips HeartStart Defibrillator?
You can buy this Philips HeartStart Onsite Defibrillator from Amazon. At the moment they include free shipping and from what I can tell when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have great deals especially with the free shipping option. Click here to view on Amazon.