Not all AEDs for public use have the ability to shock at 360 joules. In fact, the LIFEPAK CR Plus AED is the only AED available today* with a factory default escalating energy setting of 200J-300J-360J (see chart).
| AED MANUFACTURER DEFAULT ENERGY SETTINGS | ||||||
| 105J | 120J | 150J | 200J | 300J | 360J | |
| Phillips HeartSmart On-Site AED |  |
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| Phillips HeartSmart FRx AED | |
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| Defibtech Lifeline AED | |
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| Defibtech Revive AED | |
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| ZOLL AED Plus | |
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| Cardiac Science Powerheart AED G3 Plus | |
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| Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR Plus AED | |
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An initial shock from the LIFEPAK CR Plus AED is delivered at 200 joules, which has been shown to be effective in defibrillating the heart of a majority of sudden cardiac arrest victims. However, some patients are more difficult-to-defibrillate than others, and an ineffective shock can leave them in VF longer and increase costly interruptions in CPR. Physio-Control only offers AEDs with default escalating settings of 200J, 300J, and 360J.
A recent study has shown a statistically significant benefit for higher escalating shocks compared to fixed lower energy shocks in patients with VF who required more than one defibrillation shock. In addition, the American Heart Association has provided guidance on the importance of coordinating good CPR with defibrillation to minimize interruptions in chest compressions.1 Although not everyone can be saved, increasing the dose of subsequent shocks has been shown to be more effective for terminating VF than simply repeating a failed dose.
Extensive clinical cardiac arrest data shows that:
