Philips launches HeartStart FR3 automated external defibrillator at Arab Health 2012

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is introducing Philips HeartStart FR3 automated external defibrillator (AED) during Arab Health, for professional responders in the region who treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). As the smallest and lightest professional-grade AED among leading global manufacturers, the HeartStart FR3 is Philips’ most advanced professional-grade AED. The rugged and reliable HeartStart FR3 is designed to help make lifesaving faster and easier for professional responders.

Defibrillation is recognized as the only definitive treatment for ventricular fibrillation, the abnormal heart rhythm most often associated with SCA. While cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may help prolong the window of survival, CPR alone cannot restore a normal cardiac rhythm. After 10 minutes without defibrillation, few attempts to resuscitate an SCA victim are successful.

Recognizing that time-to-therapy matters, the HeartStart FR3 significantly reduces deployment time by eliminating steps to help responders start delivery of the right therapy – CPR or defibrillation – on the patient faster. The FR3 automatically powers on when the Philips HeartStart FR3 carry case is opened. The device also features easy to access, pre-connected peel and place pads that do not require opening a foil pouch. These unique features help speed therapy delivery.

The HeartStart FR3 includes several innovations designed to make it easier for professional responders to treat SCA, including a bright, high-resolution, color LCD that provides visible prompts for easier use in noisy environments; a CPR metronome that keeps the beat for consistent chest compressions; and bilingual configurability so that voice and text prompts can be clearly understood by a variety of responders. Philips makes it easy for programs to standardize on one pad set, as Philips SMART Pads III are compatible for use with Philips HeartStart FR2-series and work with Philips monitor/defibrillators, including HeartStart MRx, for easy hand-off.

The HeartStart FR3 also enables responders to treat infants and children faster. There is no need to change defibrillation pads, as the SMART Pads III can be used on adults and children. When inserted into the HeartStart FR3, the infant/child key automatically decreases the defibrillation therapy and implements the configured infant/child CPR protocols.

“Philips helped chart the course for widespread use of AEDs among lay people and professional responders, and the HeartStart FR3 demonstrates Philips’ continued commitment to innovation,” said Bob Peterhans, general manager, AED, for Philips Healthcare. “The HeartStart FR3 is raising the bar for AEDs and is designed to address the evolving needs of professional responders, so they can respond to patients swiftly and with confidence.”

For professional responders who are committed to doing an even better job of saving lives, the HeartStart FR3 is designed to help improve their emergency response. The HeartStart FR3 and Philips Data Management Solutions are designed to help support a culture of continuous improvement and excellence among emergency response organizations, including optimizing training and fine-tuning SCA protocols.