Andover, MA, USA - Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) will distribute the Heartsaver AED Anytime program in an effort to broaden access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training across the country. The Heartsaver AED Anytime program is part of a suite of self-directed learning products created by the American Heart Association and Laerdal Medical. It is designed to provide condensed, science-based training, enabling more people to get trained in CPR and the use of an AED. The course includes device-specific training on the full line of Philips HeartStart Defibrillators, including the FR2+, FRx, OnSite and Home devices.

Heartsaver AED Anytime is a three-part program that includes learning materials and training aids that provide the same level of proficiency as a traditional, instructor-led Heartsaver CPR/AED course. The kit includes a scenario-based CD, a Mini Anne-CPR-manikin, an instructional DVD, and a skills assessment for certification. Once completed, the user obtains certification by demonstrating CPR/AED skills and proficiency to an authorized American Heart Association instructor. Heartsaver AED Anytime is unique because it does not require participation in a class and training can be completed in just over two hours.

"Philips is excited to offer such an innovative new program," said Deborah DiSanzo, senior vice president and general manager of Cardiac Systems for Philips Medical Systems. "The Heartsaver AED Anytime program will help to ensure that when there is a cardiac emergency, responders have received training to prepare them to do CPR and use an AED quickly and effectively."


A recent research study that evaluated the effectiveness of this new training approach using the HeartStart OnSite Defibrillator supports the Heartsaver AED Anytime format1. Course participants showed equal CPR/AED skill competence when compared to participants attending a traditional instructor-led course. The program's components can also be used to maintain familiarity with CPR/AED skills during the two years before re-certification.

1 Idris, Ahamed, Roppolo, Lynn, Kulkarni, Himani, Ohman, Kimberly, Pepe, Paul, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX. A Five-minute Training Program for Automated External Defibrillator Use is More Effective Than a 4-Hour Course. AHA Scientific Sessions 2005, Abstract.

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