We've all watched medical dramas where the announcement "code blue" triggers a hurricane of activity, including navigating a crash cart with a full-size defibrillator down a crowded hall to the patient's bedside. Somehow, it gets there in the nick of time without damage to anyone or anything, subject to the whims of the writers.
In real life, though, Philips has developed a compact, easy to use solution. Even though it weighs in at a mere 3.3 pounds, the HeartStart OnSite Defibrilator (AED) packs quite a punch. It uses technologies developed by Philips to assess heart rhythms. If needed, it delivers a wave of biphasic energy to bring the heart out of defibrillation just like its bigger cousins found on crash carts. However, it is small enough to be kept handy at a nurses' station or ride along with a patient getting transferred.
Philips designed the OnSite so that it can be operated with little or no training, as verified in three separate studies. First, two pads get placed on the patient's bare skin. One goes on the patient's right shoulder and the other on the left ribcage per an illustration on the casing. The pads transmit information to the unit, which assesses the heart rhythms. A human voice reminds the user to call EMS and talks him or her through the process of CPR, helpful since even the most seasoned professionals can be overwhelmed by stress. The OnSite uses an algorithm to evaluate the patient's heartbeat see if the patient is in need of defibrillation. It will not deliver a shock unless necessary to return the cardiac rhythm to normal. Should it be needed, the natural clear voice delivers step-by-step instructions, ensuring a safe and swift (under eight seconds instead of 16 to 24) discharge of biphasic defibrillation energy to the patient's heart with the touch of a button. Philips developed this delivery system to be as gentle with the heart as possible while correcting an irregular beat. After the patient is stable, a doctor or EMS worker can obtain a verbal recap of the session by pressing the "I-button."
The OnSite can accommodate patients of any age. The only modification needed is selecting the correct size SMART pad for the patient (infant/child or adult).
Once the battery is installed, the OnSite is ready for use. The lithium battery is like the ones found in cameras and lasts up to four years. A green flashing light assures the user of its readiness. The OnSite does daily, weekly, and monthly self-diagnostic tests. Should something be amiss, the green light goes off and a chirping noise alerts the user to a potential problem. A press of a flashing blue button will provide information to identify and correct the situation.
The combination of ease of use and availability without a doctor's prescription has led to more than 175,000 OnSites being placed in locations such as airplanes, workplaces, and homes.
Philips offers an AED Services Management Program in the US to start early defibrillation programs off on the right foot through consultation and training, hopefully decreasing the drama of saving lives.
Fran Jablway
and
Hulet Smith, OT
