The LIFEPAK 1000 is Physio-Control’s updated flagship AED replacing the successful, but retired, LIFEPAK 500.

Physio-Control has made cardiac monitor and defibrillator products for decades. They have always been at the forefront of AED technology and their defibrillators are widely used, especially in the public safety community. In fact, their LIFEPAK 12 and LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillators are one of the most commonly used monitor/defibrillators on ambulances in the United States.

Unlike most AEDs which do not provide ECG monitoring, the LIFEPAK 1000 can be used by a wide variety of medical responders. The AED can function in semi-automatic mode initially and then be used as a cardiac monitor if someone trained to use it arrives on the scene. In most community settings, a cardiac arrest event will attract the attention of nearby physicians, nurses, or EMTs who may be trained to read an ECG tracing and provide care accordingly. It should be reiterated that the presence of this manual mode capability doesn’t make it more difficult or confusing for a layperson to use.

The AED can be operated in two modes: automated (AED) or manual mode. The LIFEPAK 1000 also has a three-lead ECG cable which allows the heart rhythm to be monitored by trained personnel. Note, however, that ECG monitoring should only be used for basic rhythm interpretation. Physio-Control specifies that the screen does not have the resolution needed for complex diagnostics including discerning pacemaker spikes or QRS/S-T segment measurements.

Using the LIFEPAK 1000 in an emergency is very simple. First, determine that the patient is in cardiac arrest (not responsive, no pulse, no breathing), call 9-1-1 and begin CPR if the AED must be retrieved. Second, press the large clearly labeled ON button. Third, attach the pads to the patient’s chest and connect the electrodes to the AED. Continue to follow the voice instructions until EMS arrives.

The AED mode displays the following messages and voice prompts:

“CONNECT ELECTRODES” – This indicates that you need to connect the patient electrode leads to the AED.

“CHECK CONNECTOR AND ELECTRODES” – This can be caused by improperly or incompletely attaching the pad leads to the AED. You may need to push the connector more securely into the AED.

“STAND CLEAR, ANALYZING NOW, STAND CLEAR” – This message indicates that the AED is using its built-in software to analyze the heart rhythm. When this is happening, it’s important that you don’t continue CPR or touch the patient for any reason. Movement can cause electrical interference which can, in some cases, prevent the interpretation software from recognizing a shockable heart rhythm.

“MOTION DETECTED, STOP MOTION” – This indicates some type of interference including physically moving or touching the patient, vehicle motion, electrical interference, or radiofrequency (RF) transmissions or interference (two-way radios, cell phones, etc.).

“PREPARING TO SHOCK” – This means that the AED is charging the capacitors which store the large amount of energy needed to defibrillate. The LIFEPAK 1000 can charge in between 7-12 seconds, depending on the energy level chosen (either automatically by the machine, or manually by a trained operator).

“STAND CLEAR, PUSH SHOCK BUTTON” – This message is prompting the user to make sure that no one is touching the patient (with their hands, knees, etc.), and then to press the red shock button to deliver the charge. The location of the red shock button on the LIFEPAK 1000 is very clear, marked with a white lightning bolt symbol.

“ENERGY DELIVERED” – This message indicates that the shock has been delivered successfully.

“START CPR!” – This prompt instructs the operator to begin chest compressions and breaths, and the AED will begin a minute:second countdown clock to help you judge how long you’ll have to continue before the AED will prompt you to stand clear for another shock sequence.

“NO SHOCK ADVISED” – This message is displayed after the AED analyzes the heart rhythm and determines that no shock is needed. The AED will only shock ventricular fibrillation (v-fib) or ventricular tachycardia (v-tach). If the patient has no electrical heart activity (asystole), or a rhythm other than v-fib/v-tach, the AED will not shock the patient. Note that the patient may still require CPR even when no shock is indicated by the AED.

The LIFEPAK 1000 will also attempt to assist the operator in troubleshooting

The LIFEPAK 1000 features a brightly colored two-tone yellow/black case. The case is surrounded all the way around with a rugged bumper to further reinforce the rugged design. Weighing in a just over seven pounds, the roughly square 10.9 by 9.2 inches is large enough to be highly visible and easy to use but small enough to store easily in a small space, such as a vehicle. It has a very large, bright display screen that’s is easy to read even in direct sunlight. The display also provides crucial information at a glance including heart rate, the number of shocks delivered, and the elapsed time since the resuscitation began – all important information for responding EMS personnel.

The LIFEPAK 1000 is a good choice for almost all venues. It’s simple for layperson use and can be quickly adapted as more highly trained personnel arrive. It is more expensive than other AEDs, but the increased functionality may be worth the additional cost in some situations.

One consideration might be the availability of EMS. If the EMS response will be more than 4-8 minutes or you’re equipping an emergency response team in an industrial or healthcare setting consisting of EMTs, nurses, or other professional responders, the increased capability may be worth the extra cost. If you’re placing the AED in a community setting and EMS response will take less than five minutes, it’s unlikely that you’ll need the extra monitoring capabilities as an arriving EMS crew will likely switch to their own equipment upon arrival.

Rescue teams with professional responders may appreciate additional programmable options available on the LIFEPAK 1000. The AED allows adjustment of certain settings to match changes in CPR timing or defibrillation energy guidelines issued periodically by cardiac care organizations. This flexibility may increase the lifespan of the device as some AEDs sold in the past have not been upgradeable as standards have evolved.

The LIFEPAK 1000 AED has a solid five-year warranties (“will be free from defects in material and workmanship appearing under normal service and use”). Like most warranties of this kind, it specifically excludes misuse, abuse, or accident. The warranty also specifies that Physio-Control may opt to have the LIFEPAK 1000 shipped to a repair facility of have the AED repaired by a technician at your location. Depending on your situation, you may need to arrange for a temporary loaner replacement which will likely be at additional expense.

ADVANTAGES – manual mode with ECG monitoring, customizable CPR/shock protocols, pad connectors compatible with popular EMS defibrillators

DISADVANTAGES – more expensive than other AEDs

BOTTOM LINE – It’s a simple, well-designed AED that laypersons can use and can be quickly adapted as more highly trained personnel arrive. While more expensive than other AEDs, the increased functionality may be worth the additional cost depending on the training and experience of the intended users.