it is important to understand that survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest are directly related to how soon victims are defibrillated.  for every minute of delay, the chance of survival declines by 7% to 10%.

defibrillation cannot assure survival, no matter how rapid the treatment.  in some patients, the underlying problem causing the cardiac arrest is simply not survivable despite any available care.

– from heartstart frx aed owner’s manual, ed. 8

an aed (automated external defibrillator) is an essential equipment that one should have in a rig clinic.  in my rig, we use philips’ heartstart frx – as an acls certified remote area paramedic, i think this aed is remarkably excellent for being user-friendly.  even a panic-stricken medic can have confusion out of its way because it literally tells you what to do through its cpr coaching button.  it basically has three steps to provide life saving defibrillation: after checking for signs of sca (sudden cardiac arrest) 1. turn on 2. place pads and 3. press shock – it’s that simple.

heartstart frx also exudes a rugged look and is tested to withstand jetting water, crushing loads up to 500 pounds and a one-meter drop onto concrete.  weighing 3.5 pounds, it is said to be among the smallest and lightest among defibrillators in the market.

if ever i encounter a medical emergency that will require aed use – heartstart frx surely gives me the confidence on rendering effective defibrillation that can save a life.