Lifepak Defibrillators

1. Overview
2. How Defibrillators Work
3. When Should an AED Be Used?
4. Some Defibrillator options
5. Final thoughts

Defibrillator Overview

How Do Defibrillators Work?

To apply the defibrillator and electric current,  the first thing you need to identify is whether the person is not breathing. Since defibrillators are battery-powered devices that deliver an electric shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm, breathing in most scenarios means the heart is fine. Furthermore, the heart’s electrical activity can be seen on an EKG machine, which displays waveforms on a screen and is installed in many defibrillators.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a defibrillator uses electrodes (sticky pads) attached to the chest of the person who is having sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The electrodes send information about the person’s heart rhythm to a computer in the AED. The computer analyzes the heart rhythm to find out whether an electric shock is needed. If a shock is needed, the AED uses voice prompts to tell you when to give the shock, and the electrodes deliver it. Using FDA-approved AEDs to shock the heart within minutes of the start of SCA may restore a normal heart rhythm. Every minute counts. Each minute of SCA leads to a 10 percent reduction in survival.”

It is important to remember that an AED is an electrical device. As with all electrical devices, do not use them near water, including: in the rain, puddles, rivers, streams, lakes, etc.

Please check your local hospitals, community centers, police departments, and other government services to see whether they offer classes in both defibrillation and CPR.

When Should an AED be Used?

Please only use AEDs if you’re properly trained. This blog only offers an overview of how the machines work; to use them without causing harm, actual training and practice are needed. If you cannot find someone who is trained, you should be on the phone with 911 and follow their instructions. If needed, most AEDs have visual and sound aids to guide an average person through the process. All emergencies are unique. The standard practice for emergency situations is to first check if the person is unconscious and not breathing. Secondly, call 911. The responder will calm down the situation and tell you how and if to administer the defibrillator. They will send emergency services to your location, including an ambulance and responders who will have the medical background and utilities to provide professional help, and the means of transporting the person to the nearest hospital.

Some Defibrillator Options

Physio-Control Lifepak 15

This Lifepak is the industry standard. This model is slightly newer than the Lifepak 12. It is effective, durable, and widely used in emergency care. This AED features ADAPTIV Biphasic technology, an 8.4-inch liquid crystal display, a CPR metronome with audible prompts, 3-Lead ECG Monitoring, and a 100 mm printer. It uses Masimo Rainbow technology to assist in diagnosing conditions and enhancing patient care. Unlike previous models, it includes a CPR metronome to aid in performing compressions and ventilations according to the 2015 AHA Guidelines.

Physio-Control Lifepak 20e

This is the most advanced defibrillator in the Physio-Control Lifepak line. This system is highly intuitive and ideal for first responders to combine AED and manual capabilities to deliver immediate care. This system is lightweight and compact for easy use. This device can easily print a CODE SUMMARY™ report, including an introduction to patient information and critical event records. The summary report also includes the event and vital signs log, and the waveform associated with certain events. This is a biphasic waveform, and the CG can be monitored with 3 or 5-wire cables. Standard paddles or therapy electrodes are included for lead monitoring. Included alarms are quick set, VF/VT, and CPSS monitoring.

Other Widely Used Defibrillators

Brands including Codemaster, Philips,  and Zoll defibrillators. If you have any defibrillators you prefer to use instead, please comment below and let us know what you like about them.

Video of a Defibrillator Refurbishment Process

When the defibrillator arrives at Soma, it is evaluated for technical issues, and all broken parts are replaced. Calibration and technical services follow. After the mechanics are quality checked, the machine moves on to cosmetics. The cosmetic process involves visually refurbishing the machine with paint, new decals, and fixing any structural issues. Once complete, your machine is ready for shipment, accompanied by a packing list and instructions for use. We provide competitive warranties on all products sold.

Final Thoughts