The HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P is a fully automatic defibrillator. It is designed to be used by members of the public with no prior medical training, as well as by trained first aiders. The device delivers an electric shock to the heart when a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

SCA occurs when the heart’s normal rhythm stops suddenly, leading to loss of consciousness, absence of normal breathing, and no detectable pulse. Without rapid intervention, survival rates decrease by around 10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The 360P requires minimal user intervention. Once the electrode pads are applied, the device automatically analyses the heart rhythm and, if appropriate, delivers a shock without the rescuer needing to press a button. This reduces hesitation and the possibility of user error.

Did You Know?
The HeartSine 360P integrates its Pad-Pak cartridge, which combines both battery and electrodes into a single unit. This simplifies maintenance and ensures the defibrillator is always ready when needed.

Components and Setup

The HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P is compact, weighing just over 1 kg, and is designed for portability. It is supplied with a soft carry case, allowing it to be placed in workplaces, schools, community venues, or public spaces where fast access is critical.

The device uses a Pad-Pak cartridge, which combines both the single-use electrode pads and the battery into one replaceable unit. This design reduces the number of consumables that need to be checked and simplifies maintenance. The cartridge has a four-year shelf life, and a new one is required after each use.

Key elements of the 360P include:

Status indicator: A green flashing light confirms the device is ready for use.
On/Off button: Activates the unit and voice prompts.
Electrode pads: Pre-connected and stored within the Pad-Pak for rapid deployment.
Visual cues: Clear diagrams on the pads show exactly where to place them on the patient’s chest.
Audible metronome: Guides rescuers to deliver chest compressions at the correct rate during CPR.

Observation:
In office environments, many cabinets housing the 360P display bright graphics and arrows to aid visibility. This makes it easier for staff or visitors to quickly locate the device during an emergency.

Pre-use Preparation

Before an emergency arises, it is important to confirm that the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P is ready for use. Routine checks and correct storage help ensure the defibrillator functions when required.

Check the status indicator: The green flashing light shows the unit has passed its automatic self-tests and is ready. If the light is not flashing, the device should be inspected immediately.
Inspect the Pad-Pak: Confirm the Pad-Pak cartridge is in date. Each unit has a clear expiry date printed on the label.
Fit the Pad-Pak correctly: Ensure the cartridge is locked securely into the base of the device.
Familiarise with operation: Users may practise by switching the unit on briefly to hear the initial voice prompt, then switch it off. This ensures rescuers know what to expect in a real emergency.
Storage location: Keep the device in an accessible, visible place, ideally in a wall-mounted cabinet. Avoid locations exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.

By carrying out these checks, workplaces and community sites can reduce the risk of discovering a depleted or expired device during a cardiac arrest event.

Using the Device in an Emergency

When a person collapses and shows no signs of normal breathing, the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P can be used alongside cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The following steps outline how to operate the device:

Switch on the device
Press the green On/Off button. The unit will immediately begin giving clear voice instructions.
Expose the chest
Remove clothing from the patient’s chest. If necessary, quickly dry the skin or shave excessive chest hair where the pads will be placed.
Apply the electrode pads
Open the Pad-Pak and peel off the adhesive pads. Place one pad on the upper right side of the chest (below the collarbone) and the other on the lower left side (below the armpit). Diagrams on the pads show correct placement.
Stand clear during analysis
The device will automatically assess the heart rhythm. Do not touch the patient at this stage. The 360P will clearly announce, “Analyzing – do not touch the patient.”
Automatic shock delivery
If a shock is advised, the device will warn rescuers to stand clear, then deliver the shock automatically. There is no need to press a button.
Continue CPR
After the shock, or if no shock is advised, the device will prompt rescuers to begin CPR. A built-in metronome provides a beat to help maintain the correct compression rate.
Follow ongoing instructions
The device will guide rescuers through further cycles of analysis, shock (if required), and CPR until emergency services arrive.

Important:
Do not remove the pads once applied, even if the person regains responsiveness, unless instructed by medical professionals.

Post-Use Procedure and Maintenance

After the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P has been used in an emergency, it must be returned to a ready state. The following steps outline the process:

Switch off the device: Once emergency services have taken over, press the On/Off button to power down the unit.
Dispose of the used Pad-Pak: Both the battery and electrode pads are single-use. Remove the Pad-Pak and dispose of it safely, following local clinical waste guidance.
Fit a replacement Pad-Pak: Insert a new cartridge immediately to ensure the defibrillator is ready for the next emergency.
Clean the device: Wipe the exterior with a soft cloth and mild detergent solution. Do not immerse the unit or allow liquid to enter the casing.
Check readiness: Confirm that the green status indicator resumes flashing once the replacement Pad-Pak is fitted.
Optional data download: The 360P can store event data. With the appropriate USB cable and software, incident records may be retrieved for medical or training review.

Routine maintenance outside of post-use steps is minimal. The device conducts automatic weekly self-tests and signals readiness via its indicator light. Owners should continue to check expiry dates and indicator status as part of regular workplace or site safety checks.

Safety Considerations and Cautions

The HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P is designed to be straightforward and safe to operate. However, there are important precautions that must always be observed:

Do not touch the patient during analysis or shock: Even slight contact can affect rhythm assessment or result in accidental shock delivery.
Avoid hazardous environments: Do not use the device in the presence of flammable gases, oxygen-rich environments, or standing water.
Temperature limits: The device should be stored and operated within the manufacturer’s recommended temperature range. Exposure to extreme heat or cold can impair performance.
Single-use components: Both the battery and pads in the Pad-Pak are intended for single use. Reusing them can lead to failure.
Child use: The 360P can be used on children over one year old with the appropriate Paediatric-Pak, which adjusts the shock level.
No internal servicing: The unit has no serviceable parts inside. Opening the casing may damage the device and void manufacturer support.

By observing these precautions, rescuers can ensure that the defibrillator functions correctly and safely during an emergency.

FAQs

Can the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P be used on children?
Yes. For children aged 1–8 years (weighing less than 25 kg), the device should be fitted with a Paediatric-Pak. This reduces the shock energy to a safe level. For those over 8 years, the standard Pad-Pak is used.

How often does the device test itself?
The 360P performs a weekly automatic self-test. The green flashing indicator shows it is ready for use. If the light is not flashing, the unit should be inspected and the Pad-Pak checked.

Where should the device be stored?
It should be kept in a highly visible, accessible location, ideally mounted in a wall cabinet in areas with high footfall. Avoid locked cupboards or storage rooms.

What happens if no shock is needed?
If the device detects that defibrillation is not required, it will not deliver a shock. Instead, it will instruct rescuers to continue CPR until help arrives.

Does training help even though the device is automatic?
While the 360P is fully automatic and designed for untrained use, basic CPR and AED awareness training can improve confidence and speed of response in real emergencies.

Sources

HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P User Manual
Provides detailed instructions on preparation, indications for use, Pad‑Pak installation and disposal, self-tests, cleaning, and re‑arming procedures heartsine.com+13aed.com+13aed.com+13
HeartSine PAD 360P User Manual (manufacturer overview)
Confirms the fully automatic shock delivery, CPR metronome feature, device model distinctions, and supported standard compatibility
heartsine.com+2heartsine.com+2.
British Heart Foundation product description – Confirms compact design, integrated cartridge system (battery and electrodes), four‑year lifespan, self‑testing routines, CPR metronome and visual prompts
YouTube+9defibrillators.bhf.org.uk+9heartsine.com+9.
HeartSine training/videos page – References manufacturer training resources for setup, adult and child usage, and maintenance heartsine.com+13heartsine.com+13YouTube+13.

What Each Source Contributed

SourceContributionHeartSine 360P User Manual (turn0search0, 1)Core operational details: pre-use checks, Pad-Pak handling, self-test procedures, post-use maintenance, safety warnings.HeartSine PAD 360P Manual (turn0search2)Confirms fully automatic operation, CPR metronome, visual/audible guides, and model differences.British Heart Foundation (turn0search8)Key product features summary; simplifies and confirms device characteristics.HeartSine Learn & Train (turn0search9)Signposts to official training resources for practical demonstration and additional learning.

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