Philips Launches HeartStart FR3 Automated External Defibrillator for Professional Responders Treating Victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

ANDOVER, Mass., Nov. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today introduced Philips HeartStart FR3 automated external defibrillator (AED) in the U.S. for professional responders 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. The FR3 requires a prescription for use in the United States, and must be used under medical direction.

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SCA is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming nearly 300,000 lives each year. 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(1). 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.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs over 120,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

(1) If an FR3 carry case with the auto-on feature is not used, the green On/Off button must be pressed to turn on the FR3.

Related Links:

Philips HeartStart FR3 Automated External Defibrillator Website

Philips HeartStart FR3 AED Demo

SOURCE Royal Philips Electronics