Medtronic Defibrillators

A true pioneer in the industry, Medtronic has been producing defibrillator and pacemaker equipment for over 60 years. Their first contribution to the healthcare industry was a wearable, battery-powered cardiac pacemaker. Medtronic defibrillators have been setting the standard for over 50 years. Their newest line, the Medtronic Physio-Control AED Defibrillators, make it clear that they’ve put their experience to good use without sacrificing the innovation that keeps them at the top of the industry.

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen at any time, in any place and to anyone, no matter how young or old, and no matter how good their health. Being able to treat someone experiencing SCA within the first five to ten minutes of the attack is vital to saving their life. Left untreated the victim will die. Administering AED treatment in the first five minutes can determine whether or not the victim will return to a normal life or if neurological (brain) damage will occur. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not always enough; being able to defibrillate the heart is the only effective way to treat SCA.

The Medtronic LIFEPAK CR Plus AED and the LIFEPAK EXPRESS AED were created to be used in any setting, whether it be in a public place or at home. These automated external defibrillators are designed for minimally-trained first responders. Each AED gives the rescuer clear and simple voice directions one step at a time. Both machines are built with the same advanced defibrillation technology that hospitals and emergency personnel use. Both AED models use biphasic technology and both are lightweight and portable.

The LIFEPAK CR Plus AED is available in both semiautomatic and fully automatic models. When using the automatic model, all a first responder has to do after assessing the victim, is open the device and apply the electrodes. The AED will take over, analyze the heart’s rhythm and decide if and when the heart needs to be shocked.

With the semiautomatic model AED, once the same first two steps are completed, and the machine has assessed the victim’s heart rhythm, it will tell the responder if a shock is needed, and when to push the button to administer the shock.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a major public heath issue. Approximately 350,000 Americans die from it every year. SCA strikes suddenly and usually without warning. It occurs when the heart experiences a “quiver” or a rapid, irregular rhythm, which inhibits proper blood flow to the body and the brain. If left untreated, this ventricular fibrillation will cause death in as short as ten minutes, and brain damage in five minutes.

How will you know if a person is suffering from SCA? The first signs of trouble are when a person collapses, stops breathing and loses consciousness. Calling 9-1-1 and administering CPR are necessary first steps, but if the heart’s rhythm is not defibrillated within the first few minutes of the collapse, CPR will not be enough to save the victim’s life. CPR is important because it continues to supply oxygen to the brain and other organs, but it cannot restart the heart. An AED needs to be used along with the CPR; defibrillation is the only way to re-establish a regular heartbeat. If defibrillation is not achieved, only about four percent of victims will survive. If an AED is used, survival rates have been shown to be above 50 percent. These rates of survival can climb even higher if automated external defibrillation is completed within the first three minutes of cardiac arrest.

Implementing an AED program in your place of business, at schools, and in public gathering places, can help save lives and prevent medical liability issues. Perfect for use in the front office as well as the warehouse, assembly line, and places in between, adding a Medtronic defibrillator – or buying in bulk for medium to large-sized businesses – has become an increasingly popular and smart business decision. Not to mention a smart health decision. In addition to business use, these AEDs are also being integrated into CPR training at swimming pools, baseball fields, parks, community events, and more. Almost any public place can benefit from the protection of a Medtronic defibrillator.

Having an automated external defibrillator in your home is a good idea too, especially if you have risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest. SCA is usually unpredictable but there are some factors that may place you at more risk. These include;

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