HeartSine was founded in 1997 with the purpose of developing portable automated external defibrillators that were affordable for use in the home and marketplace and that could easily be used by non-medical first responders. The HeartSine samaritan® PAD (Public Access Defibrillator) was released in 2004.

Designed specifically for public, non-medically trained personnel use, the HeartSine samaritan AED is perfectly suited for every public gathering place from schools, health clubs, gyms, fitness centers, office buildings, apartment complexes, airports and homes, because you never know when a heart attack or an SCA caused by an arrhythmia can happen. With simple, easy-to-use controls and a clear display, the HeartSine AED can be used by nearly anyone

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone, at any time and in any place. It can affect not only older people but children, teenagers, and young adults as well. Emergency medical services need to be performed within minutes of an SCA or the victim will die. In the case of sudden cardiac arrest, every minute really does count. If resuscitation and ventricular fibrillation are not performed within five minutes, brain damage can occur. If an AED is not available and is not used within ten minutes, most sudden cardiac arrest victims die. The HeartSine samaritan PAD can help prevent this tragedy from occurring and it was designed so that non-medical personnel can use it easily and quickly.

A flashing green status light indicates that the system is operational, and audio prompts guide the user through the process with clear, calm instructions - starting with "Adult Patient" if equipped for adult Pad-Pak™, and "Child Patient" if equipped with Pediatric-Pak™. Other prompts from the HeartSine samaritan automated external defibrillator instruct users throughout the rescue process, while reminding users to "call for medical assistance." The HeartSine system then guides the user through pad application and shock delivery if required.

Heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest are different and need to be treated differently. On average, people who are suffering from heart attack symptoms wait three hours before seeking help. SCA victims don’t have that window of opportunity since death can occur in ten minutes.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is interrupted by a blocked artery or arteries. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical activity of the heart becomes erratic. When this abnormal activity happens, it is know as an arrhythmia. When arrhythmias occur, the heart can suddenly stop beating. The blood flow to the brain stops and the victim loses consciousness. Left untreated, the victim will stop breathing and eventually die. Using an automated external defibrillator, like the HeartSine samaritan PAD, to administer defibrillation (a shock to the heart) can restart the heart by stopping the ventricular fibrillation (severely abnormal heart rhythm).

Most people who suffer from SCA don’t have a history of heart problems like an arrhythmia, but some conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest are:

• Previous heart attack(s)
• Heart surgery
• Trauma to the heart (a blow to the chest) during athletic activities
• Congenital heart disease
• Electrocution accident
• Heart muscle disease
• Lack of oxygen to the heart because of narrow cardiac arteries or shock

Don’t wait for an emergency and perhaps even death to occur before purchasing an AED. Be proactive and be prepared. Providing an automated external defibrillator for public gathering places can be just as important as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Ensure the safety of your patrons, office workers or students today.

For more information on the HeartSine samaritan automated external defibrillator or HeartSine accessories, please call or e-mail AED brands today.