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Philips Heartstart Onsite AED Review | The AED Guy

 

Philips Heartstart Onsite AED Review


Cost (lower is better): 2/5

Features: 6/10

Total cost of ownership (lower is better): 3/10





The Philips Heartstart OnSite AED is the go-to choice for high-risk Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) patients who are looking to ensure an AED will be at the ready whenever and wherever they are in need. Consider the following points:

  • No technicalities should hold a prospective owner back from obtaining a personal AED unit. Philips Heartstart “OnSite” is the only defibrillator on the US market available without a doctor’s prescription. Note: If you're interested in an AED for home, this "Best AEDs for Home" article covers the topic nicely.

  • Owning a defibrillator should not be out of reach for individuals, and the OnSite fits the bill. Competitively priced,a new unit costs only $1450 in a market ranging from $1350 to over $3000. 

  • It is a value for the individual buyer or small office making a significant purchase. “OnSite” is built lightweight and is simple to use, yet does not skimp on the most important features.

PHILIPS– A #1 MEDTECH COMPANY

Originally a tech-focused company, Philips showed itself to be an innovative company out to make life better for the consumer. In the past ten years it has become focused on health technology, becoming the #1 Medtech company in Boston Consulting Group’s 2020 “Top 50 most innovative companies. 

Its long-standing leadership in technology is now applied to the purpose of improving people’s health the world over. Philips’ efforts have led to the rapid development of an outstanding variety of healthcare programs and products. Healthcare advances produced by Philips range from large-scale hospital systems to even the smallest items, such as the elegantly simple yet intelligently designed ”toddler sippy cup”.

Much research into the most effective methods for treating Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) has occurred since AEDs were first invented. This research, coupled with current technological advancements in micro-electronics, has led to production of a variety of AED models. 

Philips has shown itself to be truly focused on improving life for each individual. This approach proves itself in the Philips Heartstart “OnSite” AED. In price, features, and quality it is geared to the individual or small-group.The Philips Heartstart “Onsite”  is an excellent choice for those needing a personal unit. It also fits the need for an AED to have on hand in small-scale settings such as an office, clubhouse, or other limited venue which may involve lay bystanders.

 The “Onsite” is made readily available to the consumer through its price and FDA approval for over-the-counter purchase. Its design makes it affordable, yet user-friendly for a lay rescuer performing an SCA rescue. It is programmed to provide tailored guidance for any user.


High Value Features


Here is a list of specific features which rank the OnSite AED among the best, as well as some which make it unique among public use AED’s in general:

  1. full 8-year warranty

  2. 4-yr battery

  3. Unlike all other AEDs, available without prescription

  4. versatile 2-year pads which: can be used for children or adults are available in child-specific form (by prescription) which automatically adjust shock for those under 50 lbs are replaceable with training pads to be inserted in the existing machine instead of requiring a separate training unit, come built-in and are integrated as the first step in deployment

  1. user-adaptive and paced audio instructions

  2. CPR guidance with metronome

  3. Quick-shock electronics (within 8 seconds of stopping CPR)

  4. Self-tests every day, as well as weekly and monthly

  5. Easy order and change out battery and pads. For more information regarding maintenance of OnSite battery and pads, view this video.

This AED is easy-to-handle, lightweight (just over 3 lbs), and comes with its own protective bright red case. The OnSite’s intuitive physical design and highly adaptive user-friendly audio guidance make even the untrained bystander capable of an effective rescue. It includes CPR guidance as well as defibrillation; it can be deployed with confidence by the lay first-aider.

Consider these locations/uses for the Philips HearStart OnSite:

  • Home and travel use, kept by anyone at-risk for SCA;

  • In a single location, at a  “SAFETY STATION”:

  • Small business, grocery store, daycare center

  • Church office, sanctuary, small private school, senior center

  • Neighborhood or mobile park clubhouse 

Using the Philips HeartStart Onsite

Here is a step-by-step description of deploying the “OnSite” in case of Sudden Cardiac Arrest:

  1. Call 911 and have someone fetch the OnSite AED.

  2. Begin CPR.

  3. Set the Onsite down next to you by the victim’s head, unzip its red case, and open the lid.

  4. Press the green button, activating the unit.

  5. Follow the step-by-step instructions as they are delivered (You will hear a clear, calm, male voice. Layered AED design prevents missteps and protects pads within the unit until they are needed.)

    1. Remove all clothing from the victim’s chest;

    2. Open the clear protective cover with handle labeled “pull”;

    3. Pull down tab covering electrode pads from top to bottom, revealing the pads;

    4. Pull down the tab at top of each pad, releasing them from the AED case.

    5. Separate the pads from their adhesive backing and place them on the victim’s chest as shown by large graphic drawings on each pad. 

–Follow the diagram on each pad when placing the pads;

–Move quickly but confidently–there is no need to rush–adaptive voice commands will adjust to your pace and repeat instructions as needed.  

  1. Once both pads are attached to victim’s chest, take hands away. If shock is indicated by audio instructions, press the flashing orange button.  

6) You hear: “shock delivered, it is safe to touch the patient, begin CPR”.  Begin CPR again, adjusting your compressions to the metronome beat provided.

NOTE: Continue CPR until EMS arrives; follow any further audio instructions!  

You can learn how to use the Philips Heartstart OnSite in this video.

PHILIPS HEARTSTART ONSITE DEFIBRILLATOR  FEATURES 

  1. Easy to set up

a.Pre-installed battery and pads 

b.Simply pull green tab for initial self test and “ready” activation 

  1. “i” button for instant help

a.CPR Coaching during a rescue (On Demand with the push of the “i” button)

b.Step-by-step rescue guidance

c.Instructions adapt to your pace

i. Don't run ahead, or slow you down.

ii.Pads electronically note your progress and   repeat/rephrase/add prompts if needed

d. Unit information

i.Press if the unit is beeping

ii OnSite tells the user what feature needs attention

  1. "Quick Shock" capabilities

a. 8 seconds to deliver a shock after pausing CPR

b. Less wasted time during critical moments

  1. Daily, weekly, and monthly self tests+battery insertion test– ensure unit readiness

  2. Operates as its own Non-shocking training unit

a.Insert Adult OnSite Training Cartridge to train for adult  rescue

b. Insert Infant/Child training cartridges to train for pediatric rescues

c. Re-insert electrode pad cartridge before storing so unit is ready to rescue.

  1. Lightweight - only 3.3 lbs with electrode pad cartridge and battery pack installed.

  2. 8 year warranty; 4-year battery; 2-year pads

  3. Semi-rigid carry case included

  4. Adult package does not require a prescription; pediatric pads by prescription

  5. Stores 15 minutes of ECG and entire event data. Can be transmitted wirelessly to phone or PC


PHILIPS HEARTSTART ONSITE DEFIBRILLATOR FAQ’S

How much does the Philips OnSite cost?

The OnSite costs around $1450, one of the lowest priced AEDs on the market. Prices vary, with numerous discounts available, as well as special pricing if you are buying for a non-profit.

Where can I buy the Philips Heartstart OnSite??

You can purchase the OnSite from a number of sources, including:

  • AED Superstore (Largest retailer)

  • Heartsmart

  • AED.com

  • CalMed Equipment 

  • AED Brands

  • AED Leader

How much do pads and batteries cost?

Adult pads cost about $75 and last for 2 years. Infant pads can be obtained by prescription, and cost $115. 

Batteries cost about $150, are proprietary, and one is needed every 4 years.

Do you need a separate set of pads for children?

Yes. Infant pads can be obtained by prescription, and cost $115.

The OnSite senses when the special Infant/Child SMART Pads Cartridge is installed, and automatically adjusts CPR instructions and shock energy.

What is the warranty?

Philips warrants the OnSite for a period of 8 years.

How long do batteries and pads last?

Batteries last for 4 years; Pads last for 2 years.

Onsite batteries and pads are proprietary to the unit; adult pads come with the unit without prescription; child pads, purchased separately, require prescription.

How much does the Philips Heartstart OnSite weigh?

The OnSite weighs 3.3 lbs. and is approx  2.8˝ x 7.4˝ x 8.3˝ (7 cm x 19 cm x 21 cm) D x H x W.

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