Philips HeartStart FRx Review — Specs, Pediatric Key & Price
4.7
★★★★★
FDA Clearance
Manual Override
$1,944.00 – $2,038.00
Manufacturer MSRP · Distributor pricing typically
Weight
IP Rating
Mode
Pediatric
Battery
SKU
Warranty
FDA cleared
Maintenance & Lifecycle Cost
🔋
Battery life
📋
Pad life
💰
Replacement battery
💰
Replacement pads
The Verdict
HeartStart FRx 861304 Features
Defibrillation Guidance: The Philips HearStart FRx is equipped with calm, clear voice instructions and flashing icons for maximum ease of use. Press the green “On/Off” button to get started, and then just follow the voice prompts to attach the pads, perform CPR, and deliver a shock if required. The visual icons allow you to follow along even in noisy environments.
CPR Assistance: The FRx is equipped with Life Guidance CPR assistance. Press the blue i-button, and the device will coach you on the optimal number, rate, and depth of chest compressions. When the Infant/Child Key is inserted, Life Guidance provides child-specific CPR coaching.
Cost-Saving Pediatric Functions: The Philips FRx utilizes the innovative Infant/Child key to automatically modify the energy delivery even when adult pads are in use. As the Infant/Child key is good for the life of the AED, this results in significant savings as there is no need to repurchase pediatric pads every two years. As a result, the Philips FRx has one of the lowest overall cost-of-ownership in the industry.
EMS Readiness: When emergency services arrive, simply hand over the FRx pads so that on-scene personnel can complete their treatment and assessment. Because the pads are compatible with other advanced defibrillators, they allow for total continuity of care.
Best for:
- K-12 schools (43+ states legally require AEDs in schools — see AED Laws by State)
- Daycares and youth sports facilities
- Family fitness centers and community recreation
- Places of worship with childcare programs
- Mixed-age public access settings (libraries, community centers)
Not ideal for:
- Adult-only offices on a tight budget (HeartSine 350P at $995 is a better fit)
- Gyms where CPR feedback is the priority (ZOLL AED 3 better)
- Clinical/EMS settings needing ECG display (LIFEPAK CR2 better)
What We Like
What We Don't
Who Should Buy the Philips HeartStart FRx Review — Specs, Pediatric Key & Price
✓ Buy if you are
✗ Skip if you are
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ZOLL AED Pro the same as the Philips HeartStart FRx?
No. The AED Plus is ZOLL’s lay-responder semi-automatic device with Real CPR Help. The AED Pro is ZOLL’s professional-grade device that adds a manual override mode, ECG display, and is designed for trained clinicians. Different model lines, different prices, different audiences.
Does the AED Pro work on children?
Yes, when used with ZOLL pediatric pads (sold separately) for patients under 8 years or 55 lbs. The device automatically detects the pediatric pads and adjusts shock energy accordingly. The standard CPR-D-Padz are for adult use only.
Can a lay responder use the AED Pro safely?
Yes, in semi-automatic mode. The device guides the rescuer through every step with voice prompts. However, the manual override, ECG display, and clinical interface make this device a poor fit for environments where the rescuer is likely to be untrained. Lay-responder environments should choose the ZOLL AED Plus instead.
What's the warranty on the ZOLL AED Pro?
ZOLL covers the AED Pro device with a 5-year warranty. Pads and batteries are covered for their shelf-life period only (2 years for pads, 5 years for installed battery life).