|  | | | Customer Reviews: | | | Average Customer Review: ( 79 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
664 of 701 found the following review helpful:
 The Best Product of its Kind On the Market Oct 29, 2004
By Retired Olde Farte
I have taught CPR for almost 35 years and currently head up an American Heart Association Training Center. My instructors have had access to the top 4 AED trainers for over 5 years, but every one of them prefers to use the Philips Medical Heartstart. The other trainers gather dust. The Philips line of AEDs began as HeartStream in the late 1990s and were the first on the market with FDA-approved biphasic (2 directional) shocks, first to put AEDs on airplanes (American Airlines), first with FDA-approved Pediatric Pads,the first and currently only AED officially approved by the American Dental Association, and the first to be able to be purchased without a doctor's prescription. And considering that just a few years ago, AEDs cost almost $5000, the price makes it a steal! If you have a loved one in your home with a heart condition, this is the device for you! Be aware that no device guarantees success, and this machine will not help a heart attack, but it is the best chance for someone who experiences a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (complete heart stoppage). But if you buy it, please also take the time to get trained in its use by attending a HeartSaver AED training course - use of an AED is only 1 of 4 links in the AHA "Chain of Survival". You can find a course near you by going on the American Heart Association Webpage and locating a Training Center or Training Site near you, or call Philips Customer Service.
74 of 75 found the following review helpful:
John Stevenson Feb 22, 2006
By GA Doc
Contrary to what John Stevenson said in his review, you cannot administer a shock to someone who does not need it.
The device has a built-in monitoring function that only allows you to shock when it detects the inproper heart function.
91 of 95 found the following review helpful:
I used one a few weeks ago Nov 16, 2004
By David
We have 2 of these in our office. Two weeks ago an employee had a heart attack. Someone started CPR and I hooked up the the AED. After 5 shocks the womens heart restarted and she started breathing on her own. The ambulance response time was more than 10 minutes. (This is faster than average in NYC) Without the AED this 40 year old women would be dead. Two weeks later she is back at work.
The device is very simple to use. The most important thing is to avoid panic. And don't give up, keep at it until the ambulance arrives.
296 of 322 found the following review helpful:
Impressive web support Nov 08, 2004
By cyclista
Since my husband's family has a history of heart disease, I thought I would look into getting one of these. In researching the topic at the Consumer Reports website, I found that they reported that the resuscitation rate nationally is 2 to 5%. With a Home Defibrillator, the rate jumps to 40 to 50%.
In researching further, I found that the Phillips is the only Home Defibrillator available to buy without a prescription. The website for this product, www.heartstarthome.com, has a wealth of information. They offer assistance in finding out if insurance or Medicare will cover some of the cost of this product.
The American Heart Association states that 340,000 people in the U.S. die from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) each year. St. Jude Medical Center website (sjm.com) lists the risk factors for SCA, although SCA can occur without any risk factors:
Heart attack
Heart failure
Heart surgery
Coronary artery disease
Diabetes
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Cigarette smoking
Drug or alcohol abuse
Excess weight
High fat diet
Sedentary lifestyle
Stress
Certain medications (over-the-counter and prescriptions, including decongestants, diet and herbal supplements)
Family history of arrhythmia or sudden cardiac arrest
Congenital heart disorders (heart problems present at birth, usually involving the heart's chambers or valves)
Advancing age
I was very impressed with the amount of on-line support at www.heartstarthome.com, including a video and a demo. The demo shows exactly how the product works. It removed all doubt about whether I would be able to use this product. (Obviously, taking the American Heart Association class is highly advisable!) Thanks, Philips.
107 of 113 found the following review helpful:
I REALLY was wishing for one of these earlier today. Nov 06, 2005
By David McCune
"self-deprecating and proud of it"
At church today I came upon a man who had partially collapsed. Since I'm a physician, I stopped and offered aid. It turns out that he had a history of heart disease and was having some pretty concerning symptoms. To my dismay, we do not have an AED at our church (yet). We notified 911, and he was taken for medical care without any problems, but I was a bit worried there for a few minutes. While I'm trained in BLS, that is, at best, a temporizing measure. AEDs have a proven ability to diagnose and treat fatal heart rhythms. In my opinion, places of public gathering should consider purchasing one of these devices. I'll be working with our church to see if we can get one. I would have been a bit more relaxed waiting for EMS if I had had one of these today.
However, buying an AED is not a cure-all. I have been trained on these, and they are very simple to learn to use. However, I think it would be quite difficult for someone who had never used one use it correctly during the stress of a cardiac arrest. If you are considering buying an AED for home or public use, I strongly suggest reading the section on AEDs at the American Heart Association website. It discusses some of the important preparations to consider before the purchase of such a device.
So, while not for everyone, this is one of the few products available that can truly save lives. In the right situation, it is indispensable.
See all 79 customer reviews on Amazon.com
|
| | |
