Home Is Where the Heart Defibrillator Is

Fans of “The Simpsons” may recall chuckling at the episode in which Homer--whose unhealthy lifestyle certainly makes him a likely candidate for a heart attack--is digging a hole in his back yard, gets chest pains, grabs his home defibrillator, administers a defibrillation shock to his heart and triumphantly exclaims, “Boy, this thing really pays for itself!” In reality, however, there’s nothing funny about the crucial role home-use automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) can play in saving the lives of victims of cardiac arrest--especially when you consider that heart disease is one of the leading killers of minority Americans.

To save even more lives by helping AEDs find their way into even more homes, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved over-the-counter sales of the HeartStart Home Defibrillator, an AED designed specifically for lay users. The device, manufactured by Philips Medical Systems, was previously available for home use only by prescription. The FDA based its decision to grant OTC marketing clearance on a review of data that showed HeartStart could be used safely and effectively by the average consumer without medical supervision.

AEDs are used to treat cases of cardiac arrest in which the victim’s heart is beating irregularly (fibrillating). The device administers an external electric shock through the chest wall to the heart with the use of conductive adhesive pads. Usability tests conducted by Philips Medical convinced the FDA that untrained lay users would be able to set up the device, place the pads correctly and promptly, follow voice and visual cues and deliver shocks safely. In addition, HeartStart comes with extensive instructions and training materials, including a video, to help purchasers learn how and when to use the AED.
The FDA has approved the home defibrillator for use on adults and on children who are at least eight years old or weigh at least 55 pounds. Consumers can currently buy HeartStart online at Drugstore.com and Amazon.com--where it was a popular Christmas gift--and it will eventually be available at chain drugstores as well. Nurses can find more information about HeartStart at www.heartstarthome.com .