Philips HeartStart AEDs sit on the wall in more US offices, schools, and public venues than almost any other brand — which means most CPR responders will eventually meet one in the field. Training on the actual Philips cartridge ecosystem, instead of a generic substitute, is what makes that first encounter feel familiar instead of foreign. The Philips AED training products in this collection are genuine OEM cartridges and pads that drop into your live HeartStart OnSite or FRx unit (or its dedicated trainer) and switch the device into class mode — no shock, no warranty risk, full voice prompts.
Two Philips AEDs in the Field, Two Training Cartridges
Philips runs two public-access AED platforms: the HeartStart OnSite (workplaces, churches, retail) and the HeartStart FRx (industrial, EMS, schools, sports). Each has its own training cartridge, and they aren't interchangeable. Train on the wrong cartridge and your responders memorize the wrong voice prompts.
HeartStart OnSite Training Cartridge — M5073A
The Philips HeartStart OnSite Adult Training Electrode Pads Cartridge (M5073A) drops directly into a live HeartStart OnSite AED or the OnSite Trainer (M5085A). The cartridge activates 8 built-in training scenarios that walk responders through different cardiac arrest patterns — shockable rhythm, non-shockable rhythm, pad placement issues, recovery prompts.
HeartStart FRx Replacement Training Pads II
The Philips FRx Replacement Training Pads II are reusable practice pads sized for the FRx AED and FRx Trainer. Rated up to 100 reseals when handled correctly. Pair with an external CPR adapter to integrate compression coaching during pad-placement drills.
How the Cartridge Switches a Live AED into Training Mode
Loading a training cartridge does two things at once: it tells the AED to suspend its therapy circuit (no shock will be delivered, ever, while the training cartridge is in place), and it switches the audio guidance to scenario-based prompts. Pull the cartridge out and reinstall the live one, and the AED is back on standby with full rescue capability. No firmware reset, no service call. That's why Philips training pads work for high-volume programs: one device, two modes, zero downtime between classes.
Cartridge Lifespan and When to Replace
Roughly 12 to 18 months of regular class use, depending on how aggressively the adhesive gets worked. The FRx Training Pads II are spec'd for up to 100 cycles — about 25 four-pad classes if you do everything by the book, more if you're careful with reseals. Stock a spare. The cost of a backup cartridge is less than the cost of a canceled refresher class for a multi-site workplace team, a hospital BLS cohort, or a school district keeping nurses drill-ready.
Browse the live Philips AED defibrillators we carry, or compare with ZOLL training products and Cardiac Science training products if your program runs mixed-brand fleets. Need 5+ cartridges or a quote for a multi-site program? Contact our team for volume pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the M5073A work on a Philips HeartStart Home AED?
No. The M5073A is built for the HeartStart OnSite (also known as HS1) and the OnSite Trainer M5085A. The Home AED uses a different pad system. Always check the model number on the back of your unit before ordering.
Can I use Philips training pads with a non-Philips manikin?
Yes. The pads stick to most adult CPR manikin chests without modification. For pediatric drills with the FRx Training Pads II, a child manikin or pediatric attenuator setup works fine.
Do I need a Philips trainer device to use these cartridges?
No — and this is one of Philips' best design choices. The training cartridges work in either the dedicated trainer (M5085A for OnSite, FRx Trainer for FRx) or in your live AED. Loading the training cartridge into a live unit suspends shock delivery automatically.
How many students can train on a single FRx pad set?
One pad set can run roughly 25 instructor-led drills across small classes (4 students per drill) before adhesive performance starts dropping. Programs running larger group drills should plan for fresher pads more often.
Are these pads FDA-cleared for training use?
They're genuine Philips OEM training accessories built specifically for instructional use. They aren't therapy devices, so they don't carry the same FDA clearance as live electrode pads — which is the entire point: no shock circuit, safe for partner-on-partner practice.