Thursday, July 7, 2005

Musings on the Philips HeartStart

Filed under: Cardiology

Engadget writer Ross Rubin has some thoughts on his experience with the first defibrillator available to consumers, the Philips HeartStart:

In the walkthrough with the plastic mat, the HeartStart determined that the model needed one shock and no more. Its almost completely voice-driven interface also recognized when I made the mistake of failing to remove the backing from one of the gel pads, instructed me to do so, and proceeded after I fixed the error. In general, the voice's authoritative tone and quick pace were effective. For example, as it is about to deliver its electric pulse, it cautions bystanders, "No one should be touching the body." Even after a successful defibrillation, the HeartStart provides instructions on C.P.R. and even keeps a beat to assist with pumping the heart -- kind of a Donkey Konga for the E.M.T. set.

Flashback: Philips HeartStart Home Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

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