Why you should have a HeartStart Defibrillator on your Boat
You may assume that you’re too young or healthy to face a medical emergency while boating. And, you might be right. But sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is different—it’s an electrical malfunction in which the heart stops beating unexpectedly, preventing blood from being pumped to the brain and other vital organs. Without immediate treatment, it can be fatal, especially in remote settings like open water.
When you’re on a boat, time is critical in emergencies. Whether it’s a cardiac arrest, a severe injury, or dehydration, immediate access to life-saving tools such as an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a well-stocked first-aid kit can make the difference between life and death. Unlike on land, medical help can take significantly longer to arrive at your location, making preparation crucial.
30%+ of all cardiac arrests happen in Public. On average, U.S. EMS teams take 6 to 12 minutes to arrive on the scene while on land. For every minute passed the survivability of a victim goes down 10%. After 10 minutes, very few sudden cardiac arrest victims survive. 1000s of Americans are lost to sudden cardiac arrest each day. 7 Million lives claimed by sudden cardiac arrest each year.
30%+ of all cardiac arrests happen in Public.
On average, U.S. EMS teams take 6 to 12 minutes to arrive on the scene while on land.
For every minute passed the survivability of a victim goes down 10%.
After 10 minutes, very few sudden cardiac arrest victims survive..
1000s of Americans are lost to sudden cardiac arrest each day.
7 Million lives claimed by sudden cardiac arrest each year.
Designed for the ordinary person
Philips HeartStart OnSite is the first AED available without a prescription in the United States, making it simple and accessible for everyone. Its easy-to-use design ensures that any boater can confidently handle emergencies, no matter their experience level.
HeartStart OnSite is Designed for use on
INFANTS
CHILDREN
under 25 kg or 55 lbs. or 0-8 years old.
ADULTS
What is an AED and how do I use an AED?
Philips HeartStart AEDs guide you through treating a victim of sudden cardiac arrest with real-time, step-by-step voice instructions, ensuring you can act quickly and confidently during emergencies on the water.
WHAT IS AN AED?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a life-saving device that checks a person’s heart and delivers an electric shock if it has stopped beating normally. On the water, where emergency services may take longer to arrive, an AED is essential for treating sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). If someone collapses unexpectedly, they may be experiencing SCA, a critical condition where the heart stops pumping blood. Immediate use of an AED can restore their heartbeat and improve survival chances when help is far away.
HOW DO YOU USE AN AED?
In a boating emergency, acting quickly is critical when someone suffers from a suspected sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Philips AEDs are equipped with integrated SMART Pads that provide real-time feedback. Simply place the SMART Pads on the person’s bare skin, and the AED will guide you step by step with calm voice instructions. Even in the middle of the water, you’ll have the confidence to perform a life-saving rescue.
EASY AS 1. 2. 3.
Patented Quick Shock feature allows the OnSite to typically deliver a shock within 8 seconds.
1
Pull the handle on Cartridge, press the green On button
2
Place the pads on the patient as directed.
3
When advised by the device, press the orange Shock button.
Get Support
Visit our AED and First-Aid support portal for How-To videos, user manuals, and product documents tailored for boating safety. Or, connect with one of our highly trained Client Care Staff to ensure you’re prepared for emergencies on the water.
Get Prepared
Be prepared to save a life when it matters most, whether on the open water or docked at the marina. The safety of your loved ones is priceless. Purchase our AED today and receive a complimentary CPR kit to enhance your boating safety..
AED Frequently Asked Questions
SCA is a sudden and unexpected abnormality of the heart’s electrical system which causes the heart to stop beating normally. When this happens on a boat, help is often far away, making immediate intervention critical. An AED can administer a life-saving shock and restore normal heart rhythm, even in remote settings.
No. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when the heart’s blood supply is reduced or blocked. The heart muscle becomes injured or may start to die. During a heart attack, the victim is conscious and may complain about symptoms.
An SCA is an electrical problem in the heart which causes the heart to beat irregularly or stop altogether. This prevents blood from reaching vital organs, and the victim typically collapses.
A heart attack victim has a pulse, but an SCA victim does not. If SCA occurs while boating, an AED can provide the critical shock needed to restore a regular rhythm, giving the victim a chance to survive until help arrives.
Defibrillation is the process of delivering an electric shock to the heart to reset its electrical system and allow a normal rhythm to return. On a boat, where EMS may not be available quickly, an AED is essential to provide this life-saving intervention.
If a person collapses or loses consciousness, and either doesn’t have a pulse or isn’t breathing properly, use an AED immediately. Even in situations where the person is gasping or seizing, if they are unconscious, an AED can help.
On a boat, time is critical, and waiting for emergency responders isn’t an option. The Philips AED analyzes the heart rhythm and tells you exactly when to deliver a shock. It provides step-by-step voice instructions, so you can act confidently in any location, including the water.
Philips AEDs are designed to be simple and intuitive. Open the device, and a calm voice will walk you through every step of the process. The AED adjusts its instructions based on what you’re doing, ensuring you’re never overwhelmed.
Act quickly when someone collapses on your boat. Restoring the heart’s rhythm within 3–5 minutes gives the victim the best chance of survival.
No, not if you follow the AED’s instructions. AEDs are designed to provide shocks only when needed. If the AED tells you to deliver a shock, it’s because the person’s heart has stopped working effectively. Your actions can only help in these life-or-death situations.
The AED is designed to guide you step by step. It won’t move ahead or overwhelm you and will repeat instructions if necessary. This ensures you provide the care needed, even in high-pressure situations on the water.
Not if you follow the instructions. The AED ensures you remain safe by providing clear precautions. It will only deliver a shock when needed, minimizing any risks to the rescuer.
On a boat, emergency responders may take much longer to reach you than on land. Survival rates decrease by 10% for every minute without defibrillation. Using an AED within 3–5 minutes of SCA greatly increases the chances of survival.
Philips AEDs are designed so that anyone can use them immediately without training. However, training is always a good idea to build confidence and prepare you for emergencies, especially when boating.
CPR and AEDs both play vital roles in saving lives. CPR helps maintain blood flow to the brain and other organs, while an AED restores the heart’s rhythm. Using both together provides the best chance of survival, especially when help is far away.
Numerous organizations offer CPR and AED training, including:
Liability concerns are valid but unlikely. AEDs are designed to be safe, easy to use, and critical for saving lives. Laws like the Good Samaritan Law often protect rescuers who act in good faith. On the water, where time is of the essence, acting quickly with an AED can save lives.
Owning an AED
Philips AEDs perform self-checks to ensure they’re always ready to use. The only components needing regular replacement are the pads and battery. Built-in reminders make maintenance simple and stress-free, even for boat owners.
Anyone can own an AED. Boaters are encouraged to have one on board as part of their essential safety equipment. For assistance, contact a MyAED representative today.