AED Device: Tips in Choosing The Best AED

AED device or Automated External Defibrillator is lightweight, portable equipment used by emergency medical services and first responders to help victims of sudden cardiac arrest. It’s an easy to use medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electric shock, or defibrillation, to restore a normal heart rhythm. However, since AED only works on certain types of cardiac arrest, you should know what steps to take if it indicates that an electrical shock isn’t required, but the person remains unresponsive. Even though it is designed not to deliver a shock unless the victim is in a shockable rhythm, it could cause harm if not used properly.

If your organization has decided to purchase and set up an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in your environment, you’re joining the ranks of well-prepared public settings everywhere. From schools to airports to shopping malls and workplaces, AEDs are becoming the norm in well-equipped, safe public environments worldwide. Having an AED at your fingertips in the case of a cardiac arrest emergency will make your organization one of the leaders in proactive health care, and adding this type of equipment to your setting is a great asset to have.

When is an Automated External Defibrillator needed?

AED devices are needed when you revive someone from sudden cardiac arrest. It can be used at home and in schools and is also found in many public places, including office buildings, malls, gyms and sports arenas, and airplanes to deliver electric shocks to a person’s heart if necessary. However, since many cardiac arrests occur at home, having AED equipment at home can save time in reviving a person with cardiac emergencies. For example, if someone has irregular heart rhythm like ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, a bystander in a public place or a family member can use AED to shock the heart back to a normal rhythm and possibly save a life.

CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation after cardiac arrest can keep the blood flowing for a time. But often, only AED can restore the heart’s normal rhythm. Therefore, CPR and AED can improve the chances of survival until emergency services arrive. Delayed treatment of cardiac emergencies like ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia can lead to irreversible brain damage and death.

How much does an AED Device cost?

The most common types of AED devices normally range between $1,250 and $3,000. There are also refurbished units with lower prices, but they come with risks like limited product warranties. Nevertheless, AED must have the most important features like defibrillator pads and the ability to assess the victim and deliver a life saving shock if needed.

AED devices can be really expensive. In addition to the initial costs, AEDs sometimes have electrode pads and batteries that expire, which may need replacement, approximately every 2-4 years, depending on the brand. Before buying an AED, it’s essential to talk to an expert and do research. You should check out the total cost of ownership over a designated time to understand their total “all-in” investment for these life saving devices.

AED Device Manufacturer Support

When choosing the right AED for your environment, you’ll want to focus mainly on the device’s manufacturer. An AED can last upwards of ten years but will need some regular maintenance and care during this time. AEDs require replacement pads and batteries throughout their lifespan, and it’s the manufacturer that will supply these for your device. The manufacturer will also assist in the proper setup of your AED and provide support and assistance, including Program Management and Physician supervision of your device.

AED Certification and Training

Regardless of which AED product you choose for your environment, it’s crucial to complete a CPR AED Certification program where you’ll receive proper AED training to understand how to use the equipment fully. A person can use an AED without training because the machine will verbally walk a person through the steps needed. Still, full training is the best option, especially for key people in the organization who may be appointed as health and safety officers within the company.

Also Read- CPR Training vs. AED Training – Which One Do I Need?

Where to Buy AED? AED Device Manufacturer Recommendation

There are several AED manufacturers in the marketplace, but the clear leader is Philips. Philips has been the forerunner of medical corporations since the late 1800s, and they have pioneered the world of AEDs used in public settings. Philips is a leader in the market in providing AED devices to settings worldwide. In addition, Philips has their cardiac department, which puts them at the leading edge of technology and makes their AED products superior. You can rest assured that you’ve purchased the best quality and most reliable equipment when you buy a Philips AED device because they have the lowest number of manufacturer recalls.

Philips AEDs were the first to be used in a public space in Chicago’s O’Hare airport, where they’ve saved 60 lives to date. Their AED is also available on American Airlines flights to provide life-saving measures while no other medical assistance is available.

Choose an AED that’s reliable with a proven track record of saving lives and few recalls. You’ll want an AED that you can count on when you need to use it and when your device requires any maintenance. A Philips brand AED is a solid choice for a reputable device from the leading company in the AED and medical marketplace.

How To Learn CPR Skills?

Having a portable defibrillator is not enough. You should also consider enrolling in a CPR/AED Certification class to learn the proper use of an AED. This will let you come to the rescue if someone during medical emergencies and to improve sudden cardiac arrest survival rates in the community. At CPR Select, we provide updated CPR/AED, BLS, and First Aid training gathered from the most recent guidelines and expert consensus.