Georgia's Mason Sells AED Coordination Act requires anyone who owns or maintains an AED to register its location with 911, and county centers are now rolling it out. Here is what the law asks of schools, businesses, churches, HOAs and individuals, and a step-by-step for getting every device on the map.
A Tucson pickleball player survived cardiac arrest because an AED was close enough to run for. Here is a simple walk test any court, field or recreation program can use to check whether its AEDs are actually reachable, and what to fix when they are not.
Pennsylvania's Utility Worksite Automated External Defibrillator Safety Act was signed on October 22, 2026 as Act 111. It requires an AED and two trained responders at every utility and electrical worksite, including field and storm-restoration sites, and it takes effect 180 days after signing. Here is what the law says and how to plan the rollout.
Two trusted AEDs. Different environments.
Which one fits your needs?
Choosing an automated external defibrillator
(AED) is an important decision, but it
doesn't have to be complicated.
The Philips HeartStart OnSite and HeartStart
FRx are both designed to help people respond
to sudden cardiac arrest. Both provide
step-by-step voice instructions, guide users
through CPR, and automatically analyze a
person's heart rhythm to determine whether
a shock is needed.
So, what's the difference?
It comes down to where you'll use your AED,
who you're preparing to protect, and the
environment in which the device will be kept.
Everyday Environments
HeartStart OnSite
A straightforward AED designed for
businesses, workplaces, and everyday
indoor spaces.
HeartStart OnSite AED: Simple, Reliable,
and Designed for Everyday Spaces
The Philips HeartStart OnSite is an excellent
choice for businesses and organizations
looking for an easy-to-use AED.
Designed with everyday responders in mind,
the OnSite provides clear voice instructions
that walk users through the rescue process.
Its SMART Pads technology allows the AED
to adjust instructions to the responder's
pace, repeating or clarifying steps when
needed.
For organizations purchasing their first
automated external defibrillator, the
OnSite offers an approachable way to
prepare for sudden cardiac arrest.
Where Does the HeartStart OnSite Work Best?
Offices and corporate buildings
Churches and places of worship
Hotels and hospitality businesses
Retail stores and restaurants
Community centers and other indoor facilities
The OnSite is especially well-suited for
locations where an AED will typically
remain stored in a designated, accessible
area.
One thing to know:
The OnSite uses separate adult and
Infant/Child SMART Pads cartridges.
Pediatric pads must be purchased separately
for use with infants and young children.
Meet the Philips HeartStart FRx
HeartStart FRx AED: Built for More
Demanding Environments
The Philips HeartStart FRx offers the
same approachable, voice-guided rescue
experience with added durability.
Designed to withstand rough handling,
dust, and exposure to moisture, the
FRx is a strong choice for environments
where equipment may experience more
wear and tear.
Its rugged construction makes it
particularly appealing for organizations
with active or demanding working
conditions.
Where Does the HeartStart FRx Work Best?
Athletic facilities and sports complexes
Construction sites
Manufacturing and industrial facilities
Outdoor recreation facilities
First responders and mobile response teams
Another important distinction is the
FRx's pediatric capability.
Rather than switching to a separate set
of pediatric pads, the FRx uses SMART
Pads II for both adult and pediatric
patients. When the optional Infant/Child
Key is inserted, the AED adjusts its
instructions and shock energy for a
younger patient.
One thing to know:
The Infant/Child Key is sold separately,
so organizations preparing for pediatric
emergencies should make sure they have
one available.
Compare the Features
Philips HeartStart OnSite vs. FRx:
Side-by-Side Comparison
Both Philips AED models provide
voice-guided rescue assistance,
but several features can help
determine which device is the
better fit for your location.
Feature
HeartStart OnSite
HeartStart FRx
Best Suited For
Everyday indoor spaces
More demanding environments
Voice-Guided Instructions
Yes
Yes
CPR Guidance
Yes
Yes
Water and Dust Protection
IP21
IP55
Pediatric Capability
Separate Infant/Child
SMART Pads cartridge
SMART Pads II with
Infant/Child Key
Typical Battery Standby Life
4 years
4 years
Manufacturer Warranty
8 years
8 years
Automatic Self-Tests
Yes
Yes
Specifications are based on published
Philips and AED Professionals product
information. Battery life depends on
specified storage and operating conditions.
Finding the Right Fit
Which Philips AED Should You Choose?
Here's a simple way to narrow it down.
Everyday Preparedness
Choose the HeartStart OnSite If...
You're purchasing an AED for an
office, church, retail space,
or another typical indoor environment.
You want straightforward operation,
clear instructions, and an accessible
device that can remain in a
designated location.
Rugged Preparedness
Choose the HeartStart FRx If...
Your AED may be used in athletic,
industrial, or more physically
demanding environments. You want
the added durability of a rugged
design and the convenience of
using the same electrode pads
for adult and pediatric rescues
when equipped with the
Infant/Child Key.
What If Both AED Models Fit Your Needs?
You really can't make this decision based
on appearance alone, and the FRx isn't
automatically the better choice simply
because it's designed for tougher conditions.
Both AEDs offer important lifesaving
features. The right decision depends
on how and where your organization
plans to use the device.
For example, an office purchasing an
AED for a reception area may find
everything it needs in the OnSite.
A school purchasing an AED for
athletic events may prefer the
FRx's rugged design.
When comparing AEDs for schools,
businesses, gyms, or public facilities,
consider where the equipment will be
stored, who may need to use it, and
which accessories should be kept nearby.
AED Ownership & Maintenance
Don't Forget About AED Maintenance
Whichever model you choose, maintaining
your AED is just as important as purchasing
it.
Both Philips HeartStart models require
routine checks and replacement supplies
to remain ready for an emergency.
Electrode pads:
Typically have a two-year shelf life.
Always follow the expiration date
printed on your pads.
Batteries:
Have a typical four-year installed
standby life under specified conditions.
Routine inspections:
Help confirm the AED is accessible,
its status indicator shows it's ready,
and supplies are within their
expiration dates.
An AED is an investment in preparedness,
and regular maintenance helps protect
that investment.
Whether you're managing one AED or
multiple devices across several
locations, keeping track of replacement
pads, batteries, and inspection schedules
should be part of your AED program.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About
Philips HeartStart AEDs
What is the main difference between
the HeartStart OnSite and FRx?
The main difference is durability and
the way each model supports pediatric
use. The OnSite is designed for typical
everyday settings and uses a separate
pediatric pads cartridge. The FRx
provides additional protection against
dust and moisture and uses an optional
Infant/Child Key with its SMART Pads II.
Which AED is better for schools
and sports facilities?
Both models can be suitable for schools.
The OnSite may be a good fit for
classrooms, offices, or other
indoor areas, while the FRx may be
preferable for athletic facilities,
sports programs, and areas where
equipment faces more demanding
conditions.
Can the Philips HeartStart OnSite
and FRx be used on children?
Yes. Both models support pediatric
use with the appropriate accessories.
The OnSite requires an Infant/Child
SMART Pads cartridge, while the FRx
uses SMART Pads II with the optional
Infant/Child Key. These accessories
are sold separately.
Is the Philips HeartStart FRx waterproof?
The FRx has an IP55 rating, providing
greater protection against dust and
water exposure than the OnSite's
IP21 rating. However, IP55 does not
mean the AED can be submerged in water.
Always follow the manufacturer's
storage and operating guidelines.
Which Philips HeartStart AED is
easier for a first-time user?
Both the OnSite and FRx are designed
to guide responders with clear voice
instructions and CPR assistance.
The best choice depends less on
experience and more on your
location's environment and
equipment needs.
How long do Philips HeartStart
AED batteries and pads last?
Both models have a typical installed
battery standby life of four years
under specified conditions.
Their electrode pads typically
have a two-year shelf life.
Always follow the printed expiration
dates and the manufacturer's
maintenance instructions.
AED Professionals
Ready to Find the Right AED?
Whether you're preparing a small
business, a busy athletic facility,
or a large organization, choosing
the right AED starts with
understanding your needs.
At AED Professionals, we're here to
help you compare your options, find
the right accessories, and build
an AED program that works for
your environment.
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Pittsburgh dedicated what the city calls its first outdoor, 24-hour public AED on October 14, 2026. Here is what cities, park districts and churches should know about weather, theft, liability and registering the unit so 911 can find it.
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AB 387 takes effect January 1, 2028. It does not require a facility to buy an AED, but it does govern accessibility and cost sharing for parks departments, school districts and any venue renting to youth leagues.
Maryland Chapter 91 took effect October 1, 2026. A written AED plan, a designated AED Coordinator, maintenance to manufacturer and FDA standards, and an awareness requirement most organizations have no process for.
