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Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2 Review | The AED Guy

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The AED Guy

Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2 REVIEW 

Cost: 5/5
Features: 9/10
Total cost of ownership (lower is better): 2/10

Table of Contents


Introduction & Value Proposition

TL;DR

The LIFEPAK CR2 is a feature-rich, easy to use, lightweight AED that is serviceable in many situations and locations. 

While the price is higher than other AED defibrillators, the strong feature set, best-in-class technology and lightweight package make it an attractive AED for many emergency medical situations and emergency preparedness use cases.

TOP COMPETITOR AMONG PUBLIC USE AEDS 

As time has passed since the invention of AEDs in the late 20th century, much research into the most effective methods for treating Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) has occurred. As a result of this research, coupled with many technological advancements, a sophisticated variety of brands and AED models have been developed. Both professional emergency responders and lay rescuers now have a broad spectrum of AEDs to choose from.

Among modern AEDs, the Physio-Control Lifepak CR2 is at the top of the heap when it comes to value, quality and features. It was even rated as a top AED for schools by AED Superstore in their recent Best AEDs for 2023 review. One of the first companies to create a portable defibrillator, Physio-Control Corporation was founded in 1955 by Dr. Karl William Edmark (1924-1994). Dr Edmark was a premiere American cardiovascular surgeon in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. 

Edmark's most significant role in creating the portable defibrillator was to change the rhythm-changing shock delivered to the heart. He made a direct current (rather than alternating current) defibrillator, which was much more effective and safe. 

His company, Physio-Control, now focuses on the manufacture of emergency defibrillation and automated CPR equipment. After several corporate transitions (e.g.,Eli Lilly and Company; Medtronic), it was acquired most recently by Stryker (2016) and its products marketed internationally; the company is now part of Stryker's Emergency Care division. 

HIGH IN VALUE

Coming in price-wise about 10% higher than its main competitors, THE LIFEPAK CR2 is cutting-edge in the friendly design of its user interface.  At the same time it is best-in-class when it comes to technological features.

VERSATILE

This AED has a clean look, is lightweight (under 5 lbs), and is activated by simply opening the cover. Already ruggedly built, it can also be purchased with the additional protection of its own carrying case, making it extremely versatile. The CR2’s intuitive interface and highly sophisticated inner technology make for the most effective rescue possible; its toughness means it can be deployed with confidence whenever and wherever it is to be used.

Not only will it serve well for use by lay rescuers at an in-house location, but it can also be a mainstay in the first aid kit of athletic and rescue professionals.  Many possibilities come to mind for the possible use of such a straightforward yet sophisticated AED model.  

LARGE RANGE OF USERS AND LOCATIONS

Consider these possibilities:

  • Single location safety offices and stations
    • Home use, kept by anyone at-risk for SCA (prescription required)
    • Small business, grocery store, daycare center
    • Church office, sanctuary, small private school, senior center
    • Neighborhood or mobile park clubhouse
    • Office building, school, retirement home
    • Shopping mall or shopping centers

  • Portable use as part of a first aid kit
    • Individual trainers and medical personnel
    • SUV, RV, tour bus, boat
    • Intramural team, Hiking (etc.) club
    • School sports teams, buses
    • Community transit vehicles
    • Helicopter, airplane, ship
    • Police, Fire, and EMT vehicles

A look at this list begins to highlight the truly outstanding versatility of this AED. While it may not outdo every competitor when it comes to one feature or another, its broad spectrum of capabilities make it an overall excellent choice for an amazing variety of locations/uses. The LIFEPAK CR2 will aid whoever deploys it  to deliver a highly effective rescue effort in terms of guided CPR, fast defibrillation, and aftercare information.

USING THE PHYSIO-CONTROL LIFEPAK CR2–OUTSTANDING FEATURES

The step-by-step description of deploying the LIFEPAK CR2 demonstrates its outstanding features (bolded below):

How to use a LIFEPAK CR2 AED (bold indicates feature)

  1. Turn on the AED by simply opening the lid.

  2. Follow the instructions delivered by Clear-Voice audio.
    1.     Audio self-adjusts its volume depending on background noise.

    2.     Audio instructions are filtered for static/distortion to assure clarity.

  3. You will hear “ADULT MODE”.
    1.     User may press language button to select alternate language (e.g., Spanish).

    2.     For children under age 8/55 lbs., user may press child button and continue, still using the same pads.

  4. You will hear “REMOVE ALL CLOTHING FROM PATIENT’S CHEST”, then “PULL RED HANDLE TO REVEAL PADS; LOOK AT PICTURES ON PADS”.
    1.     Simple audio instructions guide user through each step.

    2.     Large unmistakable graphic drawings and obvious numbers show each step.

    3.     Layered design prevents missteps and protects pads within the unit until they are needed.

  5. You hear “APPLY PADS TO BARE SKIN, EXACTLY AS SHOWN IN THE PICTURES. PRESS PADS FIRMLY.”
    1.     Pads with graphic diagrams for placement appear immediately and in obvious order for use. 
    2.     Pads are very easy to access using red rings, with no additional packaging to open.

    3.     The same pads are used for adult or child and placement is clearly marked for both applications.

  6. You hear “DO NOT TOUCH PATIENT. ANALYZING HEART RHYTHM.”
    1.     Once pads are properly applied, the AED will automatically analyze the heart rhythm to determine whether or not a shock should be given.

    2.     The LIFEPAK CR2 is available in automatic or semi-automatic models, proceeding with shock on its own, or guiding the rescuer to press a shock button.

  7. If a shock is needed, you hear “EVERYONE CLEAR, DO NOT TOUCH PATIENT, (EMERGENCY TONE) DELIVERING SHOCK. SHOCK DELIVERED.”
    1.     LIFEPAK CR2 is available in automatic shock or semi-automatic model.

    2.     This AED provides shocks adjusted for adult or child at the press of a button, with escalating energy as needed.

    3.     The CR2 has the highest available shocking power of any AED available for public use (360 joules).

  8. You hear “PROVIDE CHEST COMPRESSIONS TO THE BEAT.”
    1.     Guided CPR is begun, and a metronome provides rate guidance for rescuer.

    2.     As CPR is given, coaching for high quality compressions is given by audio voice (e.g., “THE HEEL OF ONE HAND SHOULD BE IN CENTER OF CHEST. THE OTHER HAND SHOULD BE ON TOP OF FIRST HAND.”, etc.

    3.     LIFEPAK CR2’s cprINSIGHT technology reduces CPR pause times by conducting ECG rhythm analysis during compressions. It automatically incorporates analysis information into its guidance for CPR and pauses (only) for ECG re-check and possible shock.

  9. Continue CPR until patient revives or EMT arrives.

    1. WIFI (“LIFELINKcentral”) may be used to send patient data to emergency responders and hospitals.

    2. It will monitor overall AED programs.
      1. Detects AED locations, administering an entire campus or branch network. 
      2. Reports AED readiness, receives fault information. etc.

LIFEPAK CR2 REVIEW SUMMARY

The LIFEPAK CR2 is a feature-rich, easy to use, lightweight AED that is serviceable in many situations and locations. 

You can learn how to use the LIFEPAK CR2 in this training video from Cardio Partners. 



LIFEPAK CR2 AED FEATURES SUMMARY

  • Rugged, versatile, full-featured yet user-friendly AED
  • English/Spanish voice prompts and printed visuals
  • 8-year warranty; 4-yr battery
  • Semi-automatic shock button (automatic shock available)
  • Child mode button eliminates need for separate pads
  • CPR prompts and metronome
  • Rugged construction (IP Rating 55)
  • Weight: 4.5 lbs.
  • WIFI equipped for patient data transmission and maintenance program.

*(NOTE: There is currently a long wait for Physio-Control units due to manufacturer backorder at many retailers)

PHYSIO-CONTROL LIFEPAK CR2 AED FAQ’S

How much does the Lifepak CR2 cost?

The Physio-Control Lifepak CR2 runs around $2000. Prices vary, with numerous discounts available, as well as special pricing if you are buying for a non-profit.

Where can I buy the Lifepak CR2?

You can purchase the Physio-Control Lifepak CR2 from a number of sources, including:

  • AED Superstore (Largest retailer)
  • Heartsmart
  • Cardio Partners (AED.com)
  • AED Brands
  • AED Leader

How much do pads and batteries cost?

  • Pads (which are used for adult or child) cost about $150 and last for 4 years.
  • Batteries cost about $250, are proprietary, and one is needed every 4 years.

Do you need a separate set of pads for children?

No; one of the outstanding advantages of the Lifepak CR2 is that it switches between  adult and child modes with the press of a button, and without changing pads.

What is the warranty?

The Physio-Control warrants the Lifepak CR2 AED for a period of 8 years.

How long do batteries and pads last?

Batteries and pads both last for 4 years.

Lifepak Cr2 batteries are proprietary to the unit; only one set of pads is needed for use both with adults and children.

What is cprINSIGHT analysis technology?

This feature of the Lifepak CR2 AED, unique among AEDs, allows the machine to perform ECG even while CPR chest compressions are being given.  This allows shorter pauses for heart rhythm checks and shocks if necessary, resulting in greater chances for a successful rescue.

How much does the Lifepak CR2 AED weigh?

The CR2 weighs 4.5 lbs and is approx 9”W x 11”H x 4”D

What is the child mode button?

The child mode button appears at the top of the panel after the lid is opened. It should be depressed immediately, before placing pads on the victim’s chest. It speeds the rescue by allowing use of the same pads for both adults and children.  Graphics on the pads show the alternate placement to be used for children. 

What is CLEARVOICE technology?

CLEARVOICE TECHNOLOGY allows the Lifepak CR2 to adjust the volume and tonal clarity of the audio instructions in response to the ambient noise of the setting in which it is deployed.



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