How to Use a Philips HeartStart MRx Defibrillator
- 1). Turn on the machine using the "Monitor" prompt and ensure the display functions properly. Check the ready-for-use indicator on the top right-hand corner to be sure it is green, indicating the machine is fully charged and functional.
- 2). Input patient information, such as name and date of birth by pressing the "Menu Select" button. Use the "Navigation" button to scroll to "Patient Information," and input patient data. Press the "Menu Select" button when you are finished to save the information.
- 3). Check your patient's blood pressure by placing the appropriate-sized blood pressure cuff around her arm. Attach the cuff to the monitor tubing, and insert the free end of the tubing into the "NBP" port on the side of the monitor. Press the "Start NPB" button to gain a blood pressure measurement.
- 4). Attach the pulse oximetry sensor to the patient's finger and plug the free end of the sensor into the "SPO2" port on the machine. Watch for the pulse oximetry reading to show pleth waves on the monitor, followed by a numerical reading.
- 5). Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) by placing ECG electrodes appropriately to the patient. Attach leads to the electrodes. Turn the therapy knob to "Monitor" and press the "12-lead" soft key. Press the "Acquire" button when you are satisfied with the ECG reading as displayed on the monitor.
- 6). Monitor non-invasive cardiac pacing by applying ECG leads as for an electrocardiogram reading, and also cardiac defibrillator pads. Turn the "Therapy" knob to "Pacer" and select the lead you wish to monitor. Ensure that white wave markers are showing in the ECG waveform, or slightly above it. Set the desired amount of paced pulses per minute by pressing the "Pacer Rate" soft key. Begin pacer monitoring by pressing the "Start Pacing" soft key.
- 7). Prepare to defibrillate the patient by placing the defibrillator pads in the correct position and wait for the monitor to determine if defibrillation is advised. Ensure you, as well as anyone else, are not touching the patient, if the machine advises you to deliver a shock. Press the illuminated orange shock button on the front of the monitor to deliver a shock if your medical facility preset the automatic defibrillator mode. If the machine is preset in manual mode, choose a joule amount before delivering a shock by turning the dial on the front of the monitor.