Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Philips OnSite Defibrillator SAFE to use?
Can the OnSite Defibrillator be used on children?
How do I defibrillate a child if I do not have the Infant/Child SMART Pad Cartridge?
Does the battery ever need to be recharged or replaced and if so, how will I know?
Can I use the OnSite Defibrillator on myself?
Is there a warranty? Can I return the unit?
Can I use the Onsite Defibrillator on a person with an implanted device, such as a pacemaker or ICD?
What exactly IS Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Who is most likely to suffer a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Will the Philips OnSite Defibrillator save a life each time it's used?
Absolutely! It was designed with safety in mind -- of the victim, the user, and those living in the household, including children and others who might be curious about the device.
The Philips OnSite Defibrillator was designed so that it will only deliver a shock if it determines that one is needed. It will NOT deliver a shock to a person who does not need one -- even if you press the shock button! For your safety, it is important that you follow the directions given by the unit and to make sure that no one is touching the victim when a shock is delivered.
Again, absolutely. The Infant/Child SMART Pad cartridge is sold separately. The Philips defibrillators were the first automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available for use on children under 55 pounds. When you replace the Adult SMART Pad cartridge with the Infant/Child SMART Pad cartridge, the unit senses that change and automatically adjusts itself to deliver a lower energy level and it even coaches the user for performing CPR on a child.
If you don't have the Infant/Child SMART Pad cartridge or if you don't know the age or weight of the child, DO NOT DELAY ACTION. Remember that every second counts. Perform 1 minute of infant/child CPR, call 911, then apply the defibrillator with the Adult SMART Pad cartridge. Use the adult pads, but place them on the child's chest and back. Remember that when you're using the Adult pads on a child, the unit's coaching will still be for an adult.
Does the battery ever need to be recharged or replaced and if so, how will I know?
NO. And YES. The battery never needs to be recharged, but it does need to be replaced every 4 years or so. The long-life lithium battery contains power cells of the same type typically found in common consumer products, such as cameras. In Stand-By mode, the battery should last at least 4 years. Stand-By mode means the unit is in a ready-to-save-a-life state. Every single day, it performs a self-test and when it detects a problem, such as a weak battery, it chirps just like your smoke detector chirps when its battery needs to be replaced. Even when the defibrillator is in its red carrying case, you can see the blinking green light that indicates it's ready to go or hear the chirp if it is not.
If only. If you've just suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, you are, by definition, unconscious or well on your way to unconsciousness. It's a great machine, but unfortunately there's no way for you to operate it when you're unconscious.
Of course. We offer a 30-day warranty and Philips offers a 5-year warranty.
Yes. BUT, do not place the pads directly over an implant. You can tell where an implant is located by the lump in the skin and a scar.
This is the short version. For the long version, click here. First, it is NOT a heart attack. It is an electrical malfunction of the heart, resulting in the loss of consciousness, lack of pulse, and the very real possibility of loss of life in MINUTES.
Some causes include (but are not limited to) overdose, drowning, allergic reaction, heart attack, electrocution, trauma, electrolyte imbalance (dehydration), poisoning, respiratory arrest, congenital defects, emotional stress, heavy exercise, and even sitting in traffic too long (which, as any driver knows, causes stress).
You. Anyone. Any age. Any gender. Any race. Any fitness level. Anytime. Anywhere.
Unfortunately, no. No defibrillator can be guaranteed to save a life each time it's used.
Blunt and callous as this sounds, sometimes no one and nothing can save a life. Even if a shock were applied to the heart within seconds of the onset of the cardiac arrest, there is no guarantee that the patient would live. However, by defibrillating the heart as soon as possible, the patient is at least given a chance to recover.
The American Heart Association now considers early defibrillation to be a part of Basic Life Support. As an example of how important this is, the Chicago Airport (O'Hare) has placed Philips defibrillators every 1-minute walk apart throughout. So far they have saved at least 11 lives.
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Info@DontDropDead.com or Marilyn@DontDropDead.com