Published on 2nd July 2019
The Lifeline series of AEDs have been proved to be the easiest to use defibrillators on the market.
However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be improved upon even further!
Defibtech, the manufacturers of the units, have recently announced some updates to the latest models of Lifeline AEDs and Lifeline AUTO. While some of the changes are cosmetic – a revised logo, numbering system, and more detailed labeling – other changes reflect how the defibrillators are used and employ the latest advances in technology.
To make things a little more convenient when you receive your AED, you now get a printed operating guide that comes with the unit. This gives you concise guidance on the set-up, maintenance and technical specifications of the model. A more comprehensive maintenance guide is available electronically – here you’ll find lots more detail and training for everything you need to look after and operate your AED.
The updated labelling includes a QR code and website address to provide quick access to the user manual.
The main battery now provides full power for self-tests. You no longer need the 9V battery for the AED to carry out tests such as the battery insert test or the Active Status Indicator (ASI) test.
The battery compatibility has also been adjusted – it’s now fully functional with DBP-1400 and DBP-2800 batteries (the ones with the heart logo) and the older revision versions which are no longer sold only work for rescue purposes. If you try to use one of the older batteries, you’ll get a maintenance voice-prompt: ‘Unknown battery type’.
Previously the AED would charge after the decision to shock. In an emergency situation, every second counts so now the charging occurs after the analysis and before the decision to shock, saving more precious time.
The new models emit an RF signal broadcast which contains self-test status information, a feature that wasn’t available in the older versions. Some of the tones have also changed: a single beep for the battery insert self-test, a double beep for ‘service required’ and a louder and higher pitched tone for the metronome. Although these are relatively minor adjustments, they’re designed to make the rescue process even clearer.
Again, the changes here are small but the instructions have been fine-tuned for clarity and conciseness.
To save more time, the changes here are mainly to do with the ordering of the prompts. There’s also an extra reminder to focus the users’ attention. The prompts now run as follows:
– Call for help
– Follow instructions to apply pads
– Remove clothing from the patient’s chest
– Locate pads package in the back of AED
– Plug in pads connector • Tear open pads package
– Peel adhesive pads from the blue liner
– Apply pads to the patient’s bare chest as shown.
This now has an earlier instruction to stand clear while the unit does its job:
– Analysing heart rhythm
– Do not touch the patient
– Stand clear
– Shock Advised
– Charging
– Press flashing shock button.
To avoid even the slightest chance of confusion, there are fewer prompts. Some of the wording has also been adjusted for total clarity:
– Analysing heart rhythm
– Do not touch the patient
– Stand clear
– Shock Advised
– Charging
– Shocking in Three, Two, One
– Shock X Delivered.
An extra reminder to keep clear of the patient. The sequence now runs:
– Stop motion
– Do not touch the patient
– Stop interference.
These instructions are more comprehensive in order to give further guidance for rescuers who aren’t familiar with CPR.
– It is safe to touch the patient
– If needed, begin CPR
– Give compressions
– Continue
– Continue for XX minutes/seconds
– Remaining countdown at 5 seconds (metronome still on)
– Stop CPR, Stop Now
– Do not touch the patient
– Note: Breathing prompts and CPR protocol can be enabled via a configuration data card.
In the pressure of an emergency situation, even the slightest tweak could prove important.
If you’d like to find out more about our range of AEDs or how to choose a package that’s right for you, please get in touch.