Monday, March 26, 2012
Philips Announces 8 year warranty on Heartstart Onsite and FRx AED's
AED's Save Lives in Schools
Heart screening in young athletes is a priority and should be a part of every sports physical. States need to recognize that this is a public safety issue and develop strategies to make these screenings affordable and commonplace. Organizations like the Quinn Driscoll Foundation have partnered with Peace Health Southwest Medical Center to provide heart screenings for young athletes in the Clark County area at a significant discount. These screenings include a review of child’s personal and family health history, blood pressure, ECG/EKG (electrocardiogram) and echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). The screenings have been proven effective and have identified cardiac conditions that have allowed young athletes the ability to seek treatment.
Training staff in CPR and use of the AED should also be a standard by all schools and districts. When cardiac arrest strikes, the clock is ticking and survival depends on early CPR and early defibrillation. You cannot depend on a fast arriving EMS unit to provide treatment. Although you will call EMS immediately, the typical EMS response time in the United States is 8-10 minutes. What do you do while you wait? You start providing care with CPR and an AED (if one is available). Some studies show that the chances of survival decrease about 10% every minute without a defibrillator. CPR is easy to learn and can mean the difference between life and death.
Implementing an AED program within each school. AED’s in schools are becoming commonplace. Many states have passed legislation requiring AED’s in schools. It is important to not just place an AED but place an AED program, there is a difference. Placing an AED in a school means nothing if there is not a plan in place for training, maintenance, placement, medical direction and other key factors addressed. AED’s save lives not just for children but adults as well. Watch this news story of a young lady that was saved with an AED.
To find out more information about any of the subjects listed click on a link:
Quinn Driscoll Foundation
Young Champions Heart Screening
AED’s in Schools
AED laws
CPR Training
Oregon Requires AED's in Schools
AED Programs
- Budgeting
- Device Selection
- Program Design
- Medical Direction/Physician Oversight
- EMS Integration/Notification
- Policies and Procedures
- Maintenance
- Installation
- CPR/AED Training
- Loaner programs
- Risk Management
- Ongoing Support
- Expiration Reminders
Northwest Health and Safety Inc. has successfully implemented thousands of successful AED programs within schools, churches, government buildings, businesses, golf courses, health clubs, childcare facilities and much more. We have over 13 years of experience working with AED’s and feature all the major AED brands from Cardiac Science, Defibtech, Heartsine, Physio-Control, Philips and ZOLL. For more information on AED’s visit us at AEDUniverse.com or AED4U.com. There is only one choice for implementing your AED programs in the Northwest. Northwest Health and Safety Inc. stocks replacement AED pads and batteries for all major AED brands at their Vancouver, Washington store.
Northwest Health and Safety Inc. is an Authorized AED Distributor serving Washington, Oregon and Idaho and nationwide. for more information on AED’s and AED programs visit our AED site AEDUniverse.com
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Oregon Passes Legislation Requiring AED's in Schools
Northwest Health and Safety Inc is a leading provider of AED's and AED programs to schools and businesses. We have established hundreds of school based AED programs from AED planning, AED Selection, Placement, Policies and Procedures, EMS integration, Training, Medical Direction and Oversight. Northwest Health and Safety Inc. has the resources and understanding of AED programs to make sure your school has all the information to put together a successful and affordable AED program. We work with all the leading AED manufactures from Cardiac Science, ZOLL, Defibtech, Physio-Control, Philips and Heartsine. We have special discount pricing and programs for Oregon schools affected by the new AED requirement. Have questions about AED's? Just call and we'll be happy to assist you. 1-866-517-8243 or visit us online at AEDUniverse.com or AED4U.com
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Friday, January 7, 2011
2011 is here. Now go check your AED!
Northwest Health and Safety Inc. takes over Safety Services Networks and Advantage Procurement
Northwest Health and Safety Inc. has recently acquired We are excited to offer our customers a full range of AED's and AED accessories at low prices. For more information on AED's visit aed4u.com or can also visit our newest AED Website www.aeduniverse.com
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Setting up a successful AED program
Determine Need
The first step in establishing an AED program is to determine that you need one to begin with. The second step is proving it to the bosses. Studies indicate that in the US alone there are over 450,000 deaths per year due to Cardiac Arrest. Cardiac Arrest kills more people than car accidents, breast cancer, prostate cancer, handguns, fires, and AIDS COMBINED with a majority of cardiac arrests occurring outside the hospital. The death of one employee, friend, co-worker or family member can devastate a workplace or public setting. As the public becomes more aware of AED's and their importance in saving lives, the expectation of providing adequate care by someone trained in CPR and an AED nearby is going to become the standard. It is important to understand as you decide to move forward in your AED decision that setting up an AED is not just going online and buying an AED, it is a commitment by everyone involved to build a solid foundation for an AED program that will be successful long term.
Identify a champion
It is important to identify someone within your organization that will take the lead in building the AED program. This person should be committed to the long term success of the program, gather information, act as the AED liaison and the facilities AED expert. The champion will perform the research on AED's and meet with stakeholders to determine budget, policies, who will be trained, maintenance procedures and logistics.
Research and Understand State and Jurisdictional AED Requirements
You should understand all the requirements for your state when placing an AED. Don't worry its not as difficult as you think and we'll help you out along the way. Check out our AED laws by state page to determine what your laws or requirements are for placing an AED in your facility. Most state laws have the same basic 3-4 requirements for placing an AED in a public setting. 1. Medical Direction 2. EMS Notification 3. Maintenance in accordance with manufactures specifications 4. Training in CPR & AED. We will discuss these specific components in detail. In addition there maybe state registration requirements.
Sample EMS Notification Letter
Check with you State Health Department or EMS agency to determine your states specific requirements.
Visit our AED Laws by State Page for your AED laws.
AED Maintenance
Click to find out what you need to do to check your AED
Defibtech
Heartsine
LIFEPAK 1000 Maintenance Checklist
LIFEPAK 500 Maintenance Checklist
When finding a instructor to provide your training it is important to find an experienced instructor who knows and understands AED's. Ask the instructor if he has a training AED, perhaps the same model you are purchasing? People can be apprehensive about being a part of the response team or being a trained responder but by having good quality training and lots of hands on can help out tremendously.
Find out what your state requires and visit our AED state laws page.
Training Videos
Visit nwcprtraining.com for more details.
AED Policies and Procedures
A good AED program will have policies and procedures that outline the AED program criteria, responsibility of rescuers, maintenance guidelines, operational steps for use, post event procedures, reporting mechanisms and will be your overall guide that outlines the AED program as a whole. Typically the policies and procedures will be created with the input of all stake holders (HR, Security, Legal and Management). We have some sample policies and procedures from schools and business. Keep in mind that every AED placement and situation is going to be a little different and if you do decide to use our policy templates make sure that you modify to meet your needs and your state requirements.
*Sample AED Policies and Procedures 2
*Sample School Policies and Procedures
Legal Risk
Is there increased legal risk to me or my organization for implementing an AED program?
Monday, February 22, 2010
FDA has cleared Medtronic Physio-Control to ship without restrictions
Physio-Control has announced that the LIFEPAK CR Plus will now come standard with an 8 year warranty. The longest AED warranty in the industry!
We are excited about this development and feel that Medtroinc Physio-Control is back and better than ever.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Washington Rule Requiring Dentist to have an AED on premise? Is it still a rule or not?
While this leaves the original rule (WAC 246-817-722) in effect, DQAC has also begun the administrative process to amend the rule with attention to two issues: exempting offices which administer only topical anesthetics and allowing adjoining offices to jointly comply with the rule using a single AED.
Because opposition to repealing the rule was expressed, DQAC was unable to use the states expedited repeal process. If approved, the revised rule would likely not be effective until March 2010. DQAC members clarified that the commission does have discretion in not pursuing complaints regarding AEDs in the interim.
AEDUniverse.com will be providing Washington Dentists with discounted AED pricing to help meet this requirement.
WAC 246-817-722 Every dental office in the state of Washington that administers anesthetic must have an automatic external defibrillator (AED) or defibrillator. The dentist and staff must be prepared to use this equipment in an emergency.
For more information visit www.aeduniverse.com or www.aed4u.comWednesday, November 4, 2009
Know your regulations before placing an AED.
1.) *AED's require a prescription for purchase regardless of the state. This is a federal requirement
*The exception to this is the Philips Heartstart Onsite AED which has received an exemption from the FDA.
2.) Almost all if not all states require CPR/AED training in order for rescuers to be provided with conditional immunity.
3.) Most states require Physician Oversight for AED programs.
4.) Most states require EMS notification of some sort.
5.) Most states require regular maintenance/inspections for AED's
Knowing the few key regulations can be a real help in trying to determine your specific states requirements. Keep in mind state laws can vary but most are similar in requirements although wording can be different. AEDUniverse.com has complied summaries of AED laws by state, although the laws and regulations are changing constantly. Click here to search AED Laws by State
For more information about AED's and AED programs visit www.aeduniverse.com
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Texas Implements AED Legislation
September, 2009 - Texas House Bill 392, which requires the placement of an Automated External Defibrillation (AED) in all nursing homes and related institutions, goes into effect on September 1, 2009.
In 2008, Texas nursing homes served more than 56,000 Texans, some of whom are among the most vulnerable and medically fragile citizens of the state. However, as of 2002, only 4 percent of nursing homes had an AED in their facility. On average among this population, the survival rate of cardiac arrest outside of a hospital without the use of an AED or CPR is about 6 percent. Find our more about AED's at AEDUniverse.com
Friday, October 30, 2009
Don't buy an AED...... Unless your willing to maintain it
On an AED there are only 4 main items that should be inspected on a regular basis
1.) Pads expiration date (every set of AED pads is marked with a expiration date
2.) Check the Status indicator. (Every AED has some visual indicator which will let you know the devices state of readiness.)
3.) Battery status (This is not always easy to determine without manually running a self test) Refer to your specific operations maual for details
4.) Check the overall condition of the AED. Is there any visible cracks in the housing? Is it clean?
A monthly AED inspection takes all of about 1 minute to complete but can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. Having the AED in a visible place will help make sure the inspections get done. You can use an AED Inspection Tag to record your inspections. If you are going to buy an AED or have an AED make sure it is inspected on a regular basis. For more information on inspecting your AED- Inspecting your AED
To purchase replacement pads and batteries for your AED visit www.aeduniverse.com
Oregon Passes Legislation that will require owners of buildings greater than 50,000 sq. ft. to have an AED
visit us at AEDUniverse.com
New Jersey Passes New AED Legislation that requires AED's in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Philips FR2+ Recall - 5,400 Units
PHILIPS ISSUES WORLDWIDE RECALL OF SELECT HEARTSTART FR2+ AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS
SEATTLE — Philips announced today that it is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,400 HeartStart FR2+ automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This recall is being conducted due to the possibility of a memory chip failure that may render the device inoperable. Only certain HeartStart FR2+ AEDs (models M3860A and M3861A, distributed by Philips; and models M3840A and M3841A, distributed by Laerdal Medical) manufactured between May, 2007 and January, 2008 are included in the voluntary recall.
The HeartStart FR2+ defibrillators are used by trained responders and designated response teams to help treat sudden cardiac arrest. The device automatically analyzes the heart rhythm and determines whether a defibrillation shock is needed. If a shockable rhythm is detected, the FR2+ instructs the responder to deliver defibrillation therapy.
Philips has received reports of a memory chip failure in a small number of FR2+ units manufactured in 2007 and early 2008. These reported failures were detected during routine self tests, not during emergency use of the AED. Failure of this chip could render the AED inoperable and prevent it from delivering therapy when indicated, although Philips has received no reports of injury associated with this chip failure.
The AEDs affected by this recall have been distributed globally to fire departments, emergency medical services, hospitals, and other organizations. Philips is contacting customers to arrange for the return and replacement of all the recalled AEDs by sending notification letters to distributors and users. In addition, the company has set up a page on the Philips Web site with a serial number look-up tool to allow customers to find out if their FR2+ is part of this recall, as well as instructions on what to do if it is. The Web page is www.philips.com/FR2PlusAction. Philips has notified the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) of its decision to voluntarily recall the affected product. Customers who have questions about the recall or wish to report product problems may contact HeartStart Customer Service at 1-800-263-3342.
Any adverse events experienced with the use of this product should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch Web site at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
For media inquiries, please contact: Steve Kelly Philips Healthcare Tel: +1 (425) 487-7479 E-mail: steve.kelly@philips.com
Ian Race Philips Healthcare Tel: +1 (978) 659-4624 E-mail: ian.race@philips.com
Visit aeduniverse.com
Philips Heartstart FR2 End Of Life- Information
Philips will continue to honor the standard five-year warranty for all currently installed FR2+ AEDs, as well as the optional two-year warranty extension available in the United States.
Supplies, training accessories, and technical support for the FR2+ will continue to be available.
For customers who require ECG display voice recording, extended ECG recording, manual override, or three-lead ECG, Philips is actively investigating the feasibility of offering refurbished HeartStart FR2+ devices. For those customers who do not need these features, Philips suggests consideration of the HeartStart FRx AED.
The FRx offers many of the same outstanding features as the FR2+, such as the same consistent, reassuring “voice” customers are already used to; the same pads hand-off capability to arriving EMS, daily self-testing, and compatibility with Philips data management software. In addition, the FRx offers many benefits not shared by the FR2+. Compared to the FR2+, the FRx is:
• Less expensive to own in most environments — lower five-year cost of ownership — same pads for both adult and pediatric defibrillation
• Easier to use — pre-connected pads — CPR Coaching — voice prompts paced to the responder’s action — an Infant/Child key that that automatically reduces the delivered therapy to a level appropriate for a patient under 8 years old or less than 55 lbs (25 kg)
• More robust (500 lbs crush, IP55 rated enclosure) • Quicker in shock delivery, typically within 8 seconds from the end of the patient care pause, compared to 10 seconds for FR2+. Philips continues to shape the future of AED technology. We appreciate the loyalty of our customers
and remain committed to providing products of the highest quality.
If you have questions, please contact AEDUniverse.com at 1-866-517-8243