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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Standardized Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Swine
Published on: January 30, 2020
Insights
Sudden cardiac arrest survival rates are low, but rapid defibrillation with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can double survival odds. Training lay responders to use easy-to-operate AEDs is crucial for public safety.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiovascular Health
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has low survival rates, often below 10%, especially with ventricular fibrillation.
- Rapid defibrillation is the most critical factor for survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
- Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can significantly improve survival outcomes when used by trained lay responders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of AEDs in improving survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest.
- To introduce the HeartStart OnSite and FR2+ defibrillators as user-friendly devices for lay responders and trained personnel.
- To emphasize the reliability and safety features of HeartStart defibrillators.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on defibrillation effectiveness in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
- Description of the features and usability of HeartStart OnSite and FR2+ defibrillators.
- Mention of the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance for these devices.
Main Results:
- Training lay responders to use AEDs can double survival odds for cardiac arrest victims.
- HeartStart defibrillators are designed for ease of use with clear voice instructions, suitable for lay responders.
- These devices incorporate safety mechanisms to prevent unnecessary shocks by analyzing heart rhythm.
- Comprehensive self-testing ensures AED readiness, with visible indicators for operational status.
Conclusions:
- Public access to and training in the use of AEDs are vital for increasing survival from sudden cardiac arrest.
- HeartStart defibrillators offer reliable, safe, and user-friendly solutions for emergency response in various settings, including dental offices.
- The design of these AEDs prioritizes both effectiveness and safety for non-medical personnel.
Abstract:
Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere and at any time, often without warning. Reported survival rates for cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation are low: from 3 to 10 percent. Studies have shown that rapid defibrillation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation is the most important determinant of survival. That is why training people to use automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, in public places can double the odds that a person in cardiac arrest will survive. The ADA recently awarded the Seal of Acceptance to HeartStart OnSite and FR2+ defibrillators. HeartStart defibrillators are easy to use. HeartStart defibrillators are designed specifically for the lay responder. They provide clear, easy-to-follow voice instructions and a simple user interface to guide the responder through an emergency reliable. HeartStart defibrillators perform comprehensive daily, weekly and monthly self-tests to help ensure readiness. A highly visible status indicator shows at a glance that the device is ready for use safe. HeartStart defibrillators have an innovative design that makes it virtually impossible to shock someone who is not in cardiac arrest. The heart rhythm first is analyzed to ensure that a shock is needed. The device will not allow the user to deliver a shock that the analysis determines is unnecessary. Philips offers two defibrillator models for the dental office: the HeartStart OnSite Defibrillator and the HeartStart FR2+ Defibrillator. The HeartStart OnSite Defibrillator is intended to be easy to use for responders in an office setting. It provides step-by-step verbal instructions on how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. The HeartStart FR2+ Defibrillator is designed for first responders, such as flight attendants, nurses, police officers and designated workplace responders who participate in regular training. Each HeartStart defibrillator comes with a nonrechargeable long-life battery, two sets of adult pads and complete instructions for use.
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