Using the LIFEPAK CR Plus Easy Two-Step Process

Turn the device on and apply the electrode pads to the unresponsive victim. The fully automatic CR Plus then takes over, giving ClearVoice prompts and delivering the shock without pressing any buttons.

  • Press ON-OFF button.
  • Door opens automatically and ClearVoice prompts begin.
  • Pull red handle, removing electrodes from package.
  • Apply electrodes to victim’s bare chest, shaving chest hair if necessary
  • Avoid placing electrodes over implanted pacemakers or jewelry. Avoid placing electrodes on wet or moist skin; dry skin if necessary.
  • Stand clear, and allow AED to analyze heart rhythm.
  • Do not touch patient if shock is to be administered. AED automatically delivers shock only when needed.
  • Begin CPR when ClearVoice prompt indicates.

Maintaining LIFEPAK CR Plus Monthly Checks Keeping AEDs Ready to Rescue

Please note:

  • Expiration date of QUIK-PAK electrodes.
  • Resuscitation Kit contains: gloves, face mask, trauma scissors, and razor.
  • "OK" is visible on readiness display.

Troubleshooting Readiness Display

Red Battery

  • CHARGE-PAK installed correctly?
  • CHARGE-PAK and Electrodes need replaced.

Red Wrench

  • Service needed. Please call PhysioControl.

Red Triangle

  • Internal battery not fully charged. Please call Physio-Control.

Bi-Annual Maintenance

American Heart Association recommends a shelf-life of eight years per AED. The LIFEPAK CR Plus has an internal eight year battery, supported by manufacture warranty, provided maintenance is completed every two years.

  • CHARGE-PAK battery must be replaced every two years.
  • QUIK-PAK electrodes must be replaced every two years.

After Using an AED

The AED stores valuable data about the patient’s heart rhythm. It is important that this information becomes part of the patient’s medical record. Complete the AED Usage Form, an essential part of tracking AED use in Berks County.

AED Use and Electrode Replacement

Following electronic or fax submission of the AED Usage Form, a HeartSAFE program representative will contact you to download patient information from the AED and provide you with a FREE set of QUIK-PAK electrodes.

To guarantee timely QUIK-PAK electrode replacement, please complete the AED Usage Form within 48 hours of AED use.

For patients transported to hospitals outside Reading Hospital, it is up to the discretion of the receiving facility as to whether they would like the AED information downloaded.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is Not A Heart Attack

A heart attack is caused by clogged or narrowed heart arteries that prevent the flow of blood; damage may occur to the heart muscle. An electrical problem with the heart – a rapid, chaotic heart rhythm – initiates a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). When this occurs, the heart cannot pump blood effectively.

Without the early use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a victim of sudden cardiac arrest will die within minutes.

People who have heart attacks may become more susceptible to being victims of sudden cardiac arrest. But people of all ages – including children and teenagers – can have electrical problems within the heart that causes sudden cardiac arrest.

  • Apply an AED as early as possible. For a victim of SCA, every minute that passes reduces the chance of survival by 10%.
  • Teenagers and children can have SCA, caused by an electrical malfunction in their hearts. If found unresponsive, it is important to apply an AED early!
  • Adult AED patches should be used on children 8 years and older.

Quick Facts about the LIFEPAK CR Plus

  • An AED does not deliver a shock unless necessary. If a victim is unresponsive, it is always SAFE to apply an AED.
  • The LIFEPAK CR Plus is fully automatic. Turn the device on and apply the electrode pads to the victim. The CR Plus then takes over, giving ClearVoice prompts and delivering the shock without pressing any buttons.
    • Good Samaritan Laws protect all Pennsylvania citizens in using an AED on an unresponsive victim. 
  • LIFEPAK CR Plus electrode cables are compatible with any LIFEPAK monitor used by EMS providers – saving time and equipment in the field during cardiac emergencies.
  • Storage Temperature: -40° to +158°F For each week the LIFEPAK CR Plus is exposed to extreme temperatures; it is recommended to place the device in an environment so that it may warm/cool to room temperature at least one time.