MedAire Assistance with 2005 American Heart Association AED and CPR Guidelines

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Question Index Why has CPR changed? What are the Major G2005 Changes? Is compliance of the G2005 AED/CPR guidelines mandatory? Is my current AED obsolete? How do I know which AED I have? How do I know which software version my FR2+ has? If I bought my AED after the G2005 guidelines were published, what do I do? You say OnSite and FRx updates are at no cost if I purchased it on or after 11/28/05, but how do I know what my purchase date is? Can I get an AED “loaner” while I send in my unit to be updated to G2005 guidelines? What are the turnaround times if I send my existing AED unit back to Philips to be upgraded? How will MedAire’s CPR training change? What if my AED is outdated but my CPR training is current? Once my AED is updated, will I have to be retrained? How do I order a new AHA G2005 compliant OnSite AED? How do I order a new AHA G2005 compliant FRx AED? How do I order a new AHA G2005 compliant FR2+ AED? I have a ForeRunner (FR1). How does the ForeRunner FR1 Upgrade Program work? Can you tell me more about the free 2-year warranty extension? What is an FR2+ Owners Upgrade Kit? What makes a Philips AED different? When will new AHA-compliant AEDs ship? Is shipping included in the price of the AED? How can I get more information?
1.	Why has CPR changed?
	Millions of healthcare professionals worldwide rely on the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in their mission to save more lives. These 2005 guidelines (G2005) are based on a systematic, evidence-based review of resuscitation science. The science is always changing, which is why the American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) are updated every five years with additional Scientific Statements released when necessary. To view a presentation on the changes in CPR, visit: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3037720#corporate (return to top)

2.	What are the Major G2005 Changes?
	The AHA’s revised 2005 guidelines (G2005) CPR include five major changes: Emphasis on delivery of effective chest compressions A single compress-to-ventilation ratio for all single rescuers for all victims (except newborns) Recommendation that each rescue breath be given for one second and should cause visible chest rise A new recommendation that single shocks, followed by immediate CPR, be used to attempt defibrillation for ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest. Rhythm checks should be performed every 2 minutes. Endorsement of the 2003 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) recommendation for use of AEDs in children 1 to 8 years old (and older); use a child dose-reduction system if available. (return to top)
3.	Is compliance of the G2005 AED/CPR guidelines mandatory?
	No. The AHA states that the use of previous guidelines is neither unsafe nor ineffective. Your AED will remain under warranty. However any warranty replacement AEDs will be shipped compliant to the new guidelines. Additionally, MedAire training reflects the new guidelines. To improve the chances of someone’s survival, MedAire and the AHA recommend your AED and CPR training be fully compliant. (return to top)

4.	Is my current AED obsolete?
	Depending on which AED unit you own, it could be obsolete, but most likely it just needs to be reprogrammed with new software. Philips AEDs were developed with the insight that the science behind resuscitation is constantly evolving. To review MedAire’s recommendation based on the AED you own, click here. (return to top)

5.	How do I know which AED I have?
	There are four Philips AED models: FR2+, FR2, Onsite and ForeRunner (FR1). To determine which unit you own, look for the brand name printed at the front of your AED. Other ways to tell the units apart include: If the numbered buttons 1 – 2 – 3 are to the left of the center screen and they are color coded (1 is green, 2 is white, 3 is red) then you have an FR2 or FR2+. If the numbers are not colored (they are all white), then you have a ForeRunner. If the numbered buttons 1 – 2 – 3 are to the right of the mannequin picture, then you have an FRx or an OnSite. If there is a “PULL” label at the top, you have an OnSite, otherwise, you have an FRx. (return to top)

6.	How do I know which software version my FR2+ has?
	If your AED was manufactured after December 19, 2005, then it has the most recent software version, version 1.6. When the unit is turned on and conducts a self-test, “version 1.6” will be displayed in the screen. (return to top)

7.	If I bought my AED after the G2005 guidelines were published, what do I do?
	If you bought an FR2 or FR2+ before November 28, 2005, the upgrade to version 1.6 and full compliance will cost $295, reflecting the value of version 1.6’s “Smart CPR” and “Quick Shock!”. If you bought an FRx or OnSite after November 28, 2005, you are entitled to a free update in the Exchange Program. (return to top)
8.	You say OnSite and FRx updates are at no cost if I purchased it on or after 11/28/05, but how do I know what my purchase date is?
	If you are unsure of your exact purchase date, or if it was close to November 28, 2005 and you want to be sure, you can contact your MedAire sales representative. The date that determines the eligibility is the date you placed your order with your MedAire sales representative. (return to top)

9.	Can I get an AED “loaner” while I send in my unit to be updated to G2005 guidelines?
	Neither MedAire nor Philips offers a loaner program. However, you may be able to take advantage of Philips’ Exchange Program, depending on which unit you own. (return to top)

10.	What are the turnaround times if I send my existing AED unit back to Philips to be upgraded?
	While not a guarantee, Philips is currently estimating a 3-4 week turnaround time, depending upon client demand. (return to top)

11.	How will MedAire’s CPR training change?
	As of July 1, 2006, MedAire began teaching the new AHA guidelines to our clients. We are the largest training provider of AHA AED/CPR in the Southwestern U.S.. Our program has been updated to reflect the five major changes to the AHA guidelines. (return to top)

12.	What if my AED is outdated but my CPR training is current?
	MedAire recommends once you receive new CPR training that your AEDs be fully compliant to reflect the new shock sequence and voice prompts. Despite your level of training, MedAire always recommends that you follow the voice prompts of the unit that you are using. (return to top)

13.	Once my AED is updated, will I have to be retrained?
	If you have taken MedAire training after July 1, 2006, you have been trained on the updated guidelines. For clients that attended training from November 1, 2005 to July 1, 2006, we are offering free e-learning to bring you up-to-date. For more information about AED/CPR training, please contact your Account Manager. (return to top)

14.	How do I order a new AHA G2005 compliant OnSite AED?
	These AEDs are available now. Please contact your MedAire Account Manager to order. (return to top)

15.	How do I order a new AHA 2005 compliant FRx AED?
	New, fully compliant FRx AED's are expected to ship in August 2006. Please contact your MedAire Account Manager to order. (return to top)

16.	How do I order a new AHA G2005 compliant FR2+ AED?
	New, fully compliant FR2+ AEDs are expected to ship in Q4 of 2006. Please contact your MedAire Account Manager to order. (return to top)

17.	I have a ForeRunner (FR1). How does the ForeRunner FR1 Upgrade Program work?
	As of March 31, 2006, the ForeRunner (FR1) or Laerdal FR AED is no longer supported by Philips. MedAire recommends that you consider upgrading an AED with improved technology and functionality. To help ease this transition, we are offering a special discount when you purchase a new model. Offer expires 12/14/07. Program Features: Trade-up to a HeartStart FR2+ with ECG from a ForeRunner or Medtronic AED, receive a $300 credit Trade-up to a HeartStart FR2+ with text from a ForeRunner or Medtronic AED, receive a $225 credit Trade-up to a HeartStart FRx from a ForeRunner or Medtronic AED, receive a $200 credit Trade-up to a HeartStart OnSite from a ForeRunner or Medtronic AED, receive a $150 credit For more information or to place an order, please contact your MedAire account manager at +1.480.333.3700. (return to top)

18.	Can you tell me more about the free 2-year warranty extension?
	If you purchased an FRx or OnSite before the AHA Guidelines were released on November 28, 2005, the cost to reprogram your AED is $280. As a bonus, you will also receive a 2-year warranty extension at no additional cost – a $395 value! The warranty extension will be automatically registered to your replacement AED’s serial number. When you receive your replacement AED, it will be G2005 compliant and covered for any remaining time on your existing warranty. Plus, you’ll receive a 2-year warranty extension! An Extended Warranty Agreement will be forwarded to you, requiring a signature, but there will be no additional application or payment required. (return to top)

19.	What is an FR2+ Owners Upgrade Kit?
	Philips is working on an Owners Upgrade Kit. Program details and pricing will be available soon. Contact Philips Customer Service at (800) 263-3342 if you are interested in the Owners Upgrade Kit (recommended for customers with 5 or more FR2 devices). (return to top)

20.	What makes a Philips AED different?
	SMART CPR: First-of-its-kind technology that automatically advises a responder whether to provide an immediate defibrillation shock, or CPR followed by a shock, when treating a patient in ventricular fibrillation (VF), the most common heart rhythm associated with cardiac arrest. SMART CPR helps the responder make better-informed treatment decisions. SMART CPR is a feature available only on the Philips HeartStart FR2+ (AED). Quick Shock: Technology which enables a defibrillation shock to be delivered quickly after CPR is stopped—up to three times faster than other solutions on the market. Quick Shock is only available in the HeartStart FR2+, FRx, and OnSite Defibrillators. CPR Coaching: A coaching tool for both adult and infant/child CPR provides audio cues for each breath as well as the appropriate number, depth, and rate of chest compressions. This technology is available on the HeartStart FRx and OnSite Defibrillators. (return to top)

21.	When will new AHA-compliant AEDs ship?
	Below are dates when new AHA compliant AEDs will become available. Philips OnSite – Effective June 19, 2006 FRx – Estimated August 7, 2006 FR2/FR2+ – Estimated Q4 2006 ForeRunner – Not Applicable Medtronic LIFEPAK 500 – Effective August 16, 2006 HeartSine Samaritan PAD (SAM PAD) - Effective June 1, 2006 (return to top)

22.	Is shipping included in the price of the AED?
	Yes (return to top)

23.	How can I get more information?
	For more information about the new AHA 2005 Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, visit the AHA website at www.americanheart.org. For information on the European Resuscitation Council's Guidelines for Resuscitation, visit www.erc.edu. (return to top)