
New Philips HeartStart FRx Defribrillators have been added to Tega Cay Engine 1, Ladder 1 and Engine 4. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with these new state-of-the-art AEDs.
The FRx is used to treat ventricular fibrillation (VF), the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is a condition that occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops pumping. SCA can occur to anyone – young or old, male or female – anywhere, at any time. Many victims of SCA do not have warning signs or symptoms. Some people may have a higher risk for SCA than others. Causes vary and may be different for infants and children than for adults. VF is a chaotic quivering of the heart muscle that prevents it from pumping blood. The only effective treatment for VF is defibrillation.The FRx treats VF by sending a shock across the heart, so it can start beating regularly again. Unless this is successful within the first few minutes after the heart stops beating, the victim is not likely to survive.
The Philips HeartStart FRx Defribrillators have an Infant/child key (located in the case) that turns the AED into a pediatric defibrillator, tailoring the voice instructions and therapy to the needs of a child. That means just one pad set works for adults, children, and infants. The infant/child defibrillation is for patients less than 8 years old and weighing less than 55lbs.


Additionally, this advanced AED unit can provide step-by-step CPR instructions for both an Infant/Child and an Adult. The HeartStart FRx offers on-demand CPR Coaching. Calm, clear voice instructions are precisely timed to the responder’s actions, guiding the responder every step of the way.

Philips has posted a great video walking through both a Infant/Child Defibrillation and an Adult Defibrillation. Check it out by clicking here.
Routine Checks & Maintenance:
The HeartStart FRx automatically conducts self-tests every single day, whenever the battery is operational. It performs over 85 different tests during this automated self-test eliminating the need for manual calibration.
The only manual test should be to ensure the Green Ready light is blinking at all times.
Do not store the AED with the Infant/Child key inserted.
Information gathered from http://www.healthcare.philips.com
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