A home defibrillator is a life saving device, the same as having a fire extinguisher in your home.  The chances of you actually needing to use your fire extinguisher might be smaller than the need for a home defibrillator. In case of an emergency, everyone should have a home defibrillator in his or her home. Especially, if you live far away from a hospital. The chances of survival during cardiac arrest are next to nothing if you don’t have defibrillation done immediately. Living far away could mean an ambulance wouldn’t even get to your home for 20 minutes and some doctors say ten minutes is death.

The FDA has approved the home defibrillators as a fantastic device to have in the home. Early defibrillation is advocated in surviving.

There are no prescription requirements for owning a home defibrillator. You can buy one for your home without a prescription. If you do buy one, it is important to become educated on how to use it right away. There are training sessions you can take, documentation you can read, it doesn’t matter how you prefer but learn the equipment. There is nothing like having your partner on the floor and having the life saving equipment in your hand but not knowing how to save him or her. Some insurance companies will cover a home defibrillator if you have a medical need for it and you meet medical conditions that meet certain requirements. If you have a risk profile for cardiac arrest, then work with your doctor and get a physician’s letter of medical necessity. Not all insurance companies will cover the cost of a home defibrillator and if they don’t then you will have to pay the bill. However, it can’t hurt to try.

A home defibrillator can mean life or death, especially if you live extremely far away from a hospital. If you have had a heart attack or meet the profile as being at risk for cardiac arrest, then you should have a home defibrillator. It would surprise you the percentages of men and women who have died from heart attacks each year that never showed a single symptom of being at risk to a heart attack. If they would have had early defibrillation from a home defibrillator, they might still be here today.

Heartstart Home defibrillator is a new addition in the world of defibrillators. In this world where thousands of people are losing their lives due to sudden cardiac arrest throughout the world, judicious usage of Heartstart defibrillator can be a life saving option. In any kind of heart emergency, Heartstart Home defibrillator can work wonderfully by providing sudden relief to the patient.

Importance of Heartstart Defibrillators

The utility of Heartstart defibrillator distinguishes it from the rest of its kinds. The defibrillator has unmatched features and benefits that makes it really special. The device caters mainly to the common man who may not be well trained with this usage. It has an automated voice guide that helps in explaining all the steps involves in using the device. Equipped with a quick start reference guide, the defibrillator also keep a check on the patient’s heart beat rhythm and helps in taking decision about administering an electric chock or not.

Heartstart Defibrillators: A Sudden Help

Nowadays, Sudden Cardiac Arrest or SCA has emerged as a common problem. In this situation, normally the heart stops pumping of the blood through the body suddenly due to disorganized heartbeat primarily known as VF for Ventricular Fibrilation. Usually, the signs or symptoms of SCA is not known and can lead to a dangerous situation where the patient may lose his or her life. Above all, the risk of SCA not only affects adults or elderly but it is also viable for infants and children. Therefore, it is important to diagnosis the status of heart regularly to ensure its smooth running.

As explained earlier, the symptoms or signs of SCA are not known. It can happen anytime and anywhere, this is where the usage of Heartstart defibrillators can help. The mechanism of defibrillators gives an electric shock throughout the heart to normalize the beating of the heart, giving life-saving chances for sufferers. However, it is important to apply the usage of Heartstart defibrillators immediately after the failure of heart.

Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

Identifying symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest can be very difficult as SCA is so sudden or quick and gives no time to do anything. Normally, pain, feeling pressure or a squeezing in the chest area or in the upper part of the body leads to heart stroke or attack. In case of heart strokes, the patient usually faces shortening of breadth and an upset stomach. Therefore, it is better to take help from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in case of any kind of heart emergency. Taking the doctor’s advice and expertise can also prove helpful in the manner.

No doubt heart diseases are dangerous and can take a person’s life. Therefore, it is better to keep the heart healthy to ensure its effective usage. Heartstart defibrillators are an advanced version in the categories of defibrillators to give heart patients a promising chance to fight back the heart injuries or illnesses. This automated audio instructions defibrillator has emerged as a new ray of hope for this common problem.

The Heart Start Home Defibrillator, one of the AED, or Automatic External Defibrillators is made by the Philips Company. They are known for their full line of equipment designed to assist in public safety. Whether it is airbags, fire extinguishers, home security systems, they specialize in devices that protect the average citizen and those they love.

Heart attacks and incidents of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), account for nearly a quarter of a million deaths in the United States every year. What causes them is not completely understood. Very often, the person will have no history of any kind of heart disease, and a SCA can come at any time, in any place, and disable virtually anyone. The Philips’s Heart Start is not only the first defibrillator intended for home use without a doctor’s prescription; it is currently the only one available. When you consider that every minute after a heart attack or SCA is vital to the patient’s survival, having a device that almost any person can operate increases their chance of living. According to medical experts, the first five minutes after the onset of ventricular fibrillation are critical. If a defibrillator is used within that time period, the patient has the best hope of surviving. However, it has been determined that not even one person in twenty survives a SCA due to the fact that a defibrillator is not available in time.

Automated External Defibrillators are intended for use in offices, restaurants, stores, gyms and countless other locations where medical attention can not be provided in a timely fashion. In the case of the Philips Heart Start Home Automated External Defibrillator, it has a vocal mechanism that gives very clear and precise instructions in a soft voice that talks a person through every step of its use. The device senses the actions of the user and adapts its instructions based on them. The Philips Company has perfected sophisticated technology, which enables the Heart Start to quickly decide if a shock even needs to be carried out. If it determines that an electrical jolt is not needed, it can then walk the user through all of the steps of CPR. The machine is powerful and versatile, and a useful weapon in the fight against the ravages of heart disease.

Medtronic manufactures the Lifepak 12 Defibrillator, and calls it the most dynamic and diverse device of its kind. It does have a number of features that do make it outstanding. It uses biphasic technology, rather than monophasic, which uses less power and yet delivers two jolts to the patient’s heart instead of one. Since it weighs only fourteen and a half pounds, it is compact and portable. It also offers a variety of pads: the standard paddles, or pediatric ones (for children), paddles, and/or internal pads that can be sterilized.

In these modern, high-tech high-speed days, nearly every aspect of human life is subject to being made obsolete, very quickly. So, another positive feature of the Lifepak 12 is that it can be easily upgraded. New features and enhancements can be added as system changes are needed, and (at least according to the maker) it is at a reasonable price. In addition, it is compatible with QUIK-COMBO pacing / defibrillation / ECG electrodes and it allows for multiple parameter monitoring: stable oxygen saturation monitoring, oscillometric noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitoring among them.

The device is also setup to monitor end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) for patients that are either intubated or non-intubated by using patented Microstream, capnography technology and FilterLine™ accessories. As an added plus, even in a situation of high humidity, all of these features are able to function properly. The Lifepak 12 also has a patented program (the GE Marquette 12SL) for ECG analysis that provides industry-standard interpretation. This will prove invaluable in making treatment decisions for the patient.

As if that isn’t enough, the machine has a regular laundry list of features. Trending of vital signs gives medical staff the ability to rapidly evaluate any changes in the patient’s condition. The condition of the heart and any risks to it are easily tracked, the ST-segment deflection of the cardiogram is measured every 30 seconds, and it has two channels of invasive pressure monitoring with waveform and numeric display. One truly outstanding aspect is its ability to interface with a Bluetooth wireless communication system. This allows for easy transmission of the 12-lead ECG and all patient data.

The Lifepak 12 Defibrillator comes in AED, manual or both, depending on the skill and comfort level of the users. Add in noninvasive pacing, pulse oximetry (SpO2), 12-lead ECG, EL or LCD display, capnography and noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP), and the device can be seen to be an outstanding kind of defibrillator.

Experts agree that Phillips defibrillators help save the lives of individuals having a cardiac arrest. For over a century, Phillips has been providing manual and automatic defibrillators to hospitals, medical centers, schools, businesses, and homes. You’re sure to find a Phillips defibrillator that meets your needs.

If you are looking for a defibrillator, you need to take into consideration where the defibrillator will be used and who it will likely be used on. For children under eight, you’ll need special pads on hand in case of emergency. The pads reduce the amount of energy that passes from the defibrillator into the patient’s chest.

Here are a few of Phillips defibrillators that are available to help you make your choice:

• HeartStart OnSite: designed for use by individuals with little or no training, the OnSite defibrillator is available without a prescription and is the easiest defibrillator to use. At just over three pounds, the defibrillator can be stored or carried just about anywhere. The unit features audio instructions that will guide you through CPR and defibrillation. It can be used on adults and children.

 

• HeartStart Home: most cardiac arrests happen at home, but with the HeartStart Home you’ll be prepared and have a better chance of saving your loved ones. This unit is available without a prescription and an audio voice issues instructions.

 

• HeartStart FRx: rugged and reliable, this defibrillator is a great choice for first responders, businesses, and schools. Designed to work in tough conditions, the defibrillator sends a biphasic waveform to help normalize heart rates during cardiac arrest. Although the unit is small and lightweight, it guides users through defibrillation process even when audio instruction is challenging to hear.

 

• HeartStart FR2+: used by professional responders and response teams, this unit works reliably in public places and other difficult situations. This unit is ideal for responders who have training in life saving skills and who want a quick acting defibrillator.

 

• HeartStart MRx: designed for hospitals and EMS use, this manual defibrillator has the longest battery operation and the fastest shock time.

 

• HeartStart XL: at less than fifteen pounds, this unit can be transported around hospitals to where it is needed. The unit has both AED and manual operation and can be easily switched between them.

 

Whatever type of defibrillator you are looking for, Phillips defibrillators will meet your needs. You may be seeking a unit for your home or school, which means that you should look at a unit that requires little training and is lightweight. You’ll find that there’s a Phillips defibrillator that’ll be perfect for you.

Defibrillator pads are essential to the operation of a defibrillator. The sole function of a defibrillator is to zap someone’s irregular heartbeat back to a normal, steady, functioning rhythm. The electrodes of a defibrillator are placed in the defibrillator pads. Defibrillator pads help the electrode deliver the energy to the patient’s heart. They act as a middleman so the energy can move to the heart.

To help maximize the amount of energy that gets to the heart and to prevent the skin from burning, emergency technicians place gels between the skin and the defibrillator pads. These gels usually have petrolatum or lanolin. Petrolatum and lanolin create a better transition of energy from the defibrillator battery to the heart.

Defibrillator pads come in different shapes and sizes. They look like mittens without the thumbs and are usually white. Most emergency technicians will carry several different sizes of defibrillator pads. The amount of charge that goes through the pads depends on the size of the pads. A charge that is meant for a full-grown man should not be delivered to a child. A child is smaller and may not be able to sustain the charge.

Using Defibrillator Pads on Kids

Kids are smaller than adults, but they’re not immune to heart failure. Emergency technicians sometimes have to use heart defibrillators on small children. This usually occurs because the child has been through a traumatic experience and needs to have his or heart calmed down. They also may come across a child who does have a heart problem. Some kids are born with heart problems and others experience heart problems as a residual side effect of other ailments.

As mentioned before, kids cannot receive a shock that is as powerful as one administered to an adult. Each shock given to an adult is about 150 Joules. The amount of charge given to a patient is based on the person’s weight. For children, medical technicians use age to determine the appropriate charge. Usually a 50-Joule charge is sufficient for kids that are younger than eight.

Now, we’ve talked about how giving a wrong charge to a child can be fatal. However, the converse is true for adults. Giving an adult a charge meant for a child is insufficient. So it’s very important to get the right defibrillator pads.

To make it easier, some defibrillator producers make children defibrillator pads and conductors that look different than adult defibrillators. For example, Philips requires that all of its children’s external defibrillator pads and connectors look different than ones made for adults. Philips uses a tiered system to identified these products for the right age group. The package containing a child’s connector has a pink teddy bear. This unique packaging is supposed to grab the attention of the emergency responder so they don’t accidentally use the wrong conductor or defibrillator pad.

So you’ve made the decision to get a defibrillator, but before you pull the trigger, you should check out some defibrillator reviews. It’s always a good idea to do some product research before you make big purchases. Especially if the big purchase is also one that could save the life of you or someone you love.

The Best of the Best Defibrillators

The HeartStart Home Defibrillator made by Philips is consistently rated as one of the most effective, easy to use external home defibrillators out there. Medical sources such as the Mayo Clinic as well as well-respected news sources, such as the Wall Street Journal, have pointed to his product as a leader in the industry.

The HeartStart Defibrillator is recognized for usability because the machine literally does all of the work. It comes with a step-by-step tutorial that talks you through the process. The more quickly you move, the quicker it gives you advice.

This device reads the person’s heartbeat to determine if they need a shock. After it reads the heartbeat, you hit a well-marked button that will deliver the shock. However, if the machine doesn’t think the person needs a shock, it will not distribute the energy to the patient when you punch the button.

This defibrillator gets stellar reviews, but it is expensive. It costs between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on the accessories you buy. It’s possible that your insurance company will knock down this cost. Insurance companies are usually only interested in picking up some of the tab if you or someone in your family has a known heart condition.

The HeartStart Home Defibrillator is well recognized in the industry as a good external defibrillator, but it’s not the only one. You should talk to your doctor about your defibrillator choice before you consider making a purchase.

Finding Defibrillator Reviews

There are a couple of ways you can go about finding defibrillator reviews. For starters, you can get on Google or another Internet search engine and enter "defibrillator reviews." If you’re trying to decide between two defibrillators, you might just want to enter the name of the defibrillator and see what you get.

The Internet has a vast array of information, which can be very helpful. However, it can be harmful because a lot of misinformation is distributed through the Internet. To make sure that you’re getting valuable information, know your source. Company Web sites, medical journals and reviews written by medical experts are the most valuable defibrillator reviews out there.

Lawyers also write reviews of defibrillators and defibrillator recalls. Though these reviews may offer some good information, be careful. Some lawyers write these defibrillator reviews to attract clients who feel they’ve been wronged by a particular company.

Every homeowner should consider having a Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator to use in case of emergencies. Every year, sudden cardiac arrest kills more people than car accidents, AIDS, breast cancer, and house fires combined. Just like fire extinguishers, seatbelts, and other safety equipment, a home defibrillator should be considered a necessary purchase for every residence.

Defibrillators are used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm when the rate is irregular or absent. Used in various forms since the 1940s, these units save thousands of lives each year. Most of us are familiar with some of the spectacular stories of student athletes revived after suffering a cardiac attack during a game. Defibrillators are responsible for most of these amazing brought back to life tales.

Why should you have a defibrillator in your home? Here are a few reasons:

• Over 80 percent of cardiac episodes occur at home.
• Over one million people suffer a heart attack each year and 40 percent of these attacks will result in death.
• Coronary heart disease is responsible for 20 percent of deaths in the United States.
• Studies show that having a defibrillator, like the Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator, available significantly increases the chance of survival.
• Similar devices are carried in ambulances worldwide.
• Units are portable, with convenient carrying cases. Take one to restaurants, on car rides, and on vacation for peace of mind.

These are just a few reasons why you should consider adding a Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator to your home. Philips designed the unit to be easy to use. In fact, almost anyone can help save a life with this defibrillator.

The defibrillator gives instructions in a clear, calm voice. The unit senses your actions and adapts the speed of the instructions to your movement. In addition, when the pads are placed on the patient’s skin, the defibrillator will automatically sense whether a shock is needed. All you need to do is pull the cartridge handle, place the pads on the patient’s bare chest, and press the shock button.

If you are thinking about a Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator but are worried about the cost, stop worrying. A portable defibrillator may be covered by your insurance company if a doctor has diagnosed a heart condition or if you’ve already suffered a cardiac attack. Talk to your doctor about whether you qualify. Philips also offers an easy, affordable monthly payment plan. For several dollars a day, your family can be protected.