For those of us in the AED Industry, it’s always bittersweet to say “farewell” to an AED. We’re excited to see the advances in new technologies, but we feel it’s also important to honor an AED that saved numerous lives and provided countless people with a sense of security. Today we’re honoring the Philips HeartStart FR2+ AED.
History of the Philips HeartStart FR2+ AED
The Philips HeartStart FR2+ AED was introduced in 2000. It quickly became a trusted tool of professional responders due to its portability and rugged toughness. Its uncluttered design combined with clear voice commands made it easy for lay users to step into an emergency and operate the FR2+ to provide life-saving shocks and CPR support. Its design was based on research by Philips experts and was user tested on lay rescuers, doctors, nurses, EMTs and paramedics. In 2009, after nine years on the market, Philips announced the discontinuation of the FR2+. They continued to honor the warranty for all FR2+ devices and supplied FR2+ AED pads and batteries until December 31, 2018.
What does “End of Life” mean?
End of life may seem like a scary term, but when referring to an AED’s end of life, it simply means the manufacturer will no longer provide support for the device. After a certain period of time, consumables (electrode pads and batteries) will no longer be available as well. When developing a new AED, manufacturers incorporate the latest advances in new technologies, therefore improving their products and developing new devices with enhanced capabilities. Older AEDs, while still able to perform their function, need to be phased out at the end of their useful life.
I need to replace my FR2+ AED. What other AEDs does Philips offer?
There are over 1.5 million HeartStart AEDs globally which allow the average person the ability to save a life of a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) victim. HeartStart AEDs include the FR3 AED, the FRx AED and the OnSite AED.
The HeartStart FRx AED offers many of the same features as the FR2+, such as the same consistent, reassuring “voice” customers are already used to; infant/child key, one set of pads for all victims, daily self-testing, and compatibility with Philips data management software.
The HeartStart FR3 AED has been designed with many of the same features as found in the HeartStart FR2+ AED including text and ECG screen option, safe to fly certification, and rugged professional responder design.
The HeartStart OnSite AED as a replacement AED in office and controlled environment locations where an easy to use and maintain AED is key.
Head over to AED.US to shop all of our Philips AED’s or call 800-695-1209 for prices and more information.
Written by Blaire Czarniecki
Customer Service Director
Fact checked by Phillip Woods, BA, NREMT-P, FP-C
Blaire attended the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology- Child and Family Studies. She has been in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) industry for over eight years and is the Director of Customer Service for Coro Medical. Blaire is also an American Red Cross-certified CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, highly trained by each manufacturer on their specific AEDs, and knowledgeable regarding ALL State AED regulations and legislation.
“I know that every day I come to work, I am playing a part in saving someone’s life. I am passionate about these devices and am always looking for new and innovative ways to spread awareness and knowledge about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). I look forward to the day when everywhere I go, I will see an AED—when SCA will no longer take any lives.”
Last updated February 21, 2019