Philips AED Troubleshooting: Your Philips Defibrillator Questions Answered
Since the 1990s, Philips has produced user-friendly, technologically advanced Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The range consists of the Philips Heartstart HS1 and Heartstart FRx, both offering SMART technology and practical CPR guidance to help anyone save a life, trained or untrained.
Having a Philips AED close by is vital in the event of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), helping to increase survival chances. To help make sure your Philips AED is always ready to deliver treatment, we have compiled a list of troubleshooting questions.
Philips Defibrillator Troubleshooting
Let’s take a look at some common queries related to using a Philips defibrillator.
A beeping sound coming from the device
If you notice a triple-chirping sound coming from your Philips defibrillator, maintenance is required. This beeping sound usually indicates a low battery, expired electrode pads, or a circuit-related issue.
Pressing the blue ‘i’ button will provide you with more guidance on the specific issues that need addressing. Follow the instructions given and ensure necessary maintenance is completed promptly to keep your Philips defibrillator ready for use.
A green flashing light
A green flashing light on your Philips defibrillator is known as the ‘ready light’, and signals the device is ready for use. This confirms that the defibrillator has passed the most recent battery insertion and general self-tests.
When in use or during a self-test, the ready light will turn solid. If the ready light is off and the ‘i’ button is flashing with a chirping sound, the defibrillator requires attention. This indicates a fault that needs to be addressed to ensure the device remains operational.
If the ready light is off but there is no chirping or flashing, this could mean the battery is depleted or has not been inserted. Insert or replace the battery and run a self-test. If this is passed, the device will be ready for use.
Checking the battery for issues
Ensuring the battery in your Philips Heartstart defibrillator works correctly is vital. The device will not be able to deliver the life-saving shock required in a cardiac emergency if the battery is not working.
To check your Philips AED battery, assess whether the ready light is flashing. If so, the device is functioning as normal and is ready for use. If this light is off, the battery may need replacing. Consult your user manual if required.
Another way to check your device’s battery is by pressing and releasing the blue information button. This will indicate your battery status and advise whether any attention is needed.
Maintaining Your Philips Heartstart Defibrillator
Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure your Philips defibrillator is ready to help save a life in an SCA.
Like any defibrillator, Philips AEDs will require maintenance in the form of visual checks, self-tests, battery or pad replacements, and regular cleaning. For more information on how to effectively maintain your Philips device, read our blog.
Testing Your Philips AED
Both the Philips Heartstart HS1 and Heartstart FRx perform self-tests daily, weekly, and monthly, allowing for simplified maintenance. These ensure the device regularly checks wires, pads, and internal circuitry to detect any issues that could prevent it from working.
In addition to self-tests, performing routine visual inspections ensures your Philips defibrillator remains in optimal condition. From checking the condition of the electrode pads and the battery status to regular cleaning and visual inspections. A structured maintenance checklist can help you stay on top of these tasks, explore our Philips Maintenance Guide for more details.
More Information
Why is my Philips AED beeping?
There are two instances where your Philips AED will make a beeping or chirping noise. A series of single chirps followed by the blue ‘information’ light flashing will alert you of new information.
If you hear a triple-chirp alert this indicates a potential urgent issue was detected during a self-test requiring your attention. It is important to act on this immediately and fix the issue, or else your AED may not be ready to deliver treatment in an SCA.
Why is the green light blinking on my Philips AED?
A blinking green light on your Philips AED is normal and confirms your device is ready for use following the latest self-test performed. Conversely, no flashing light would indicate that there is a problem with the device that could prevent it from being used in an emergency.
How do you check the defibrillator’s battery?
To check if your Philips AED battery is functioning, first check the green light is flashing on your Philips AED. If so, this means the battery is connected and working correctly. Alternatively, press the blue ‘i’ button to check the battery status and condition inside your Philips defibrillator.