Continuing with our Q & A series, today we'll answer a common question regarding Physio-Control's LIFEPAK AEDs – what are the differences between the LIFEPAK CR Plus and the LIFEPAK Express?
To be quite frank and blunt, the main differences between these two devices can be broken down as follows:
1.) Warranty – The LIFEPAK CR Plus has a warranty of 8 years, whereas the LIFEPAK Express has a manufacturer's warranty of 5 years. So, the jump in cost provides an additional three years of coverage.
2.) Fully-Automatic Option – The LIFEPAK CR Plus features a fully-automatic model, which means the AED itself will deliver the shock to the patient in need without the responder having to press a button. This particular feature has been designed specifically for lay responders. The LIFEPAK Express is available only as a semi-automatic AED, meaning responders need to press a button to deliver therapy.
These two points really hold the true difference between the two devices. There are others, of course, but in terms of the key differences, it's these two particular points that sets the two LIFEPAK AEDs apart.
Minus the warranty and the fully-automatic option available, the other "lesser" differences include:
3.) Carrying Case – The LIFEPAK CR Plus includes a carrying case, which we recommend for all AED programs, regardless if it's going to be in a cabinet or not. The LIFEPAK Express does not include a carrying case, which is an $64 accessory.
4.) Spare Set of Electrodes – The last difference comes down to the LIFEPAK CR Plus having a spare set of electrodes, which we recommend for every AED program. The LIFEPAK Express only includes one set of electrodes, forcing customers to purchase a spare set of electrodes for $88, should they wish to include this within their AED program.
And those are the only differences between the LIFEPAK CR Plus and the LIFEPAK Express AEDs. The internal workings are all the same for the two devices, speaking in terms of the semi-automatic LIFEPAK CR Plus. The other difference outside of what's listed above is simply aesthetic, which, quite frankly, shouldn't be a point of consideration when creating an AED program.
Physio-Control created the LIFEPAK Express to compete with the Philips HeartStart OnSite AED, which has a significantly lower price point than Physio-Control's LIFEPAK CR Plus, which runs for $1,695 to start.
Between the two devices, we recommend the LIFEPAK CR Plus AED over the LIFEPAK Express model for customers that are creating AED programs for lay responders, i.e., for situations in which a non-medical professional might have to respond to a situation of sudden cardiac arrest.
If we're working with a trained first responder that would want a semi-automatic rather than fully-automatic AED, the LIFEPAK Express is a fine option. However, a carrying case would likely have to be purchased, and for a couple hundred dollars more, the three additional years of the warranty often make the LIFEPAK CR Plus still the preferred AED.
If a customer's budget is tight and a new LIFEPAK CR Plus is not possible, the LIFEPAK Express is a great choice for those looking to implement a LIFEPAK AED in their program (which we tend to recommend, as the vast majority of first responders use LIFEPAK devices in their own programs, enabling their program to be compatible with the first responders that arrive on the scene).
Have a question on the above and/or would like more information? Let us know! Please feel free to leave a comment and/or give us a call at any time.
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