Stryker/Physio-Control

Note: Physio Control is owned by Stryker and was previously under the name Medtronic. You may hear Lifepak AEDs being referred to under any of these brand names.

The Lifepak CR Plus + is a very popular model of AED. It has been discontinued, although at this time, many are still in use and replacement accessories are available. This article focuses on the newer device in the Lifepak line of Defibrillators, the CR2. For information on the CR Plus, please refer to the Physio Control website.

The Lifepak CR2 AED is available in both automatic, and semi-automatic options. With an automatic model, there is no button to administer a shock. The AED will analyze the patient’s heart rhythm and administer a shock if viable. In a semi-automatic model, the AED will analyze the patient’s heart rhythm, and if appropriate to shock the patient, the device will light up a flashing button to be pushed by the rescuer, which will then administer a shock. Both options are excellent choices and choosing automatic vs. semi-automatic is a matter of preference.

The device includes remote, WiFi monitoring which sends owners notifications if the device should encounter and error or be rendered inoperative.

All AED pads contain an adhesive gel coating, which allows the pads to stick to the surface of the patient’s skin, and this also conducts the shock being transmitted. Due to the possibility of this adhesive gel drying out in the long term, all pads come sealed in a package and have an expiry date. The CR2 features a unique design, which holds the pads within the unit, and a sealed cover simply needs to be peeled off to access the pads. The pads for the CR2 have a 4-year shelf life. Additionally, the CR2 has a child mode button that can be pressed if the device is being utilized on a patient younger than 8 years, or weighing less than 55 lbs. Most AEDs require an adult set of pads to be disconnected, and a pediatric set attached. By pressing a button rather than attaching a new set of pads, valuable time is saved when dealing with a pediatric emergency.

Batteries in AEDs have a limited life span due to the fact that they run frequent self-checks and the need to maintain enough charge to deliver multiple shocks in an emergency. Lifepak CR2 has a battery with a 4-year standby life, which means the battery will expire exactly 4 years after being installed in the device.

All Lifepak AEDs run self-diagnostic checks daily, weekly and monthly. There is a green indicator light which will flash if the device is in proper working order. If the device detects any issues, the indicator light will stop flashing. The WiFi monitoring in the device will also alert the user of any issues encountered during self-checks. If this should happen, please consult the user manual in order to troubleshoot.

When registering with the Heart Safe AED website, you will enter important information into the database such as battery and pad expiry dates, so you can easily track when they will need to be replaced.

These devices also feature data download options, as the device records heart rhythms and other valuable data when it is being used. This data can be downloaded onto a computer and utilized by First Responders and Medical Professionals to determine the nature of the issue and assess treatment options. Please refer to the manufacturer’s website below to find out more.

LIFEPAK CR2 defibrillator - AED response system | Stryker (strykeremergencycare.com)

The Lifepak CR2 AED is priced between $2000-$2100, depending on the supplier. Consider the cost and frequency of replacement pads and batteries when evaluating AED purchase options.

If you are looking for replacement accessories, please contact your AED supplier, or refer to the supplier list listed on our Heart Safe Website.

If you have any questions regarding AED usage, registration, Sudden Cardiac Arrests or more, please contact the Heart Safe Public Access to Defibrillation Program!

Email: PAD@ahs.ca

Phone: 1-866-786-1440