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. Improper pad placement can cause minor skin burns or ineffective shocks, and touching the patient during shock delivery may expose rescuers to mild electrical injury.
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.
What are AEDs used for?
AEDs treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) by delivering an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm. In some studies, defibrillation within 3 minutes has been associated with survival rates up to 74%, according to American Heart Association data (2020 Guidelines for CPR and ECC). However, outcomes vary by setting, rhythm, EMS response, and registry data.
When is an Automated External Defibrillator needed?
Use an AED on anyone who is unresponsive and not breathing normally or only gasping. These are the key signs of sudden cardiac arrest. Many states now require AEDs in schools, gyms, airports, and large public facilities under local public-access defibrillation laws. 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 helps maintain blood flow, but only an AED can restore a normal rhythm in shockable rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, CPR and AED can improve the chances of survival until emergency services arrive. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation lowers survival by about 7–10%, and irreversible brain injury can begin within 4–6 minutes.
What are five key factors to consider before purchasing a defibrillator?
When choosing an AED, consider these five essential factors:
- Ease of Use & User Guidance: AEDs with step-by-step voice and visual instructions improve successful deployment by non-medical personnel. Models with automatic shock delivery remove the need for manual shock administration, reducing hesitation in emergencies.
- Battery Life & Maintenance: Battery and standby life varies by model (often 4–7 years); HeartSine’s Pad-Pak combines battery + pads into a single cartridge that simplifies replacement.
- Cost & Ongoing Expenses: Typical U.S. price ranges for AEDs are $1,200–$3,000 (model-dependent); accessories like electrode pads or batteries may cost tens to low hundreds of dollars. Always verify current pricing.
- Shock Delivery & CPR Feedback: A 2017 Circulation study (Couper et al.) found that real-time CPR feedback improved correct compression depth and rate by 15–20% (p < 0.05). Biphasic waveform technology, used in most modern AEDs, delivers more effective shocks with lower energy, reducing heart tissue damage.
- Durability & Environmental Suitability. Public AEDs in challenging environments benefit from dust-/water-resistant ratings. For example, the Powerheart G5 is rated IP55 (protection from dust and water jets).
1. Ease of Use & User Guidance
An AED should be easy to operate, especially for individuals without medical training. Devices with step-by-step voice and visual instructions guide rescuers through pad placement, shock administration, and CPR support. Some models, like the Philips OnSite AED, offer pre-recorded voice prompts and adaptive coaching to adjust to the responder’s pace. Additionally, fully automatic AEDs deliver shocks without requiring manual intervention, reducing hesitation and increasing the likelihood of a successful resuscitation.
2. Battery Life & Maintenance
Battery and standby life varies by model (often 4–7 years); HeartSine’s Pad-Pak combines battery + pads into a single cartridge that simplifies replacement. Regularly checking the battery and replacing it before expiration is essential. Some models, like the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P, simplify maintenance by integrating the battery and electrode pads into a single Pad-Pak cartridge, ensuring both are replaced simultaneously. Selecting a low-maintenance AED with self-testing features (e.g., ZOLL AED 3) ensures the device remains ready for use without frequent manual checks.
3. Cost & Ongoing Expenses
While the initial price of an AED typically ranges from $1,250 to $3,000, additional costs should be factored into the budget. Replacement pads cost between $50 and $200, while replacement batteries can range from $150 to $300 depending on the model. Some AEDs, like the Defibtech Lifeline AED, offer cost-effective, long-life batteries to minimize long-term expenses. Buyers should also consider warranty length and potential servicing fees when evaluating affordability.
4. Shock Delivery & CPR Feedback
The effectiveness of an AED depends on its ability to deliver optimal shock therapy and CPR guidance. Studies published in the Circulation Journal suggest that AEDs with real-time CPR coaching (such as the ZOLL AED Plus) significantly improve chest compression quality, leading to better survival outcomes. Additionally, modern AEDs use biphasic waveform technology, which adjusts shock intensity based on the patient’s resistance, delivering more effective shocks with lower energy to minimize heart tissue damage.
5. Durability & Environmental Suitability
AEDs should be durable enough to function reliably in their intended environment. For harsh workplaces (e.g., construction sites or outdoor settings), models like the Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 are built with IP55-rated water and dust resistance for added protection. In public spaces, AEDs should be highly visible, with wall-mounted storage and clear signage for easy access during emergencies. Some units, like the Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2, feature Wi-Fi connectivity to alert administrators if maintenance is needed, ensuring long-term readiness.
What equipment should be kept with an AED?
To ensure an AED is ready for emergencies, it should be stored with the following essential accessories:
- Spare electrode pads – Pads have expiration dates and should be replaced as needed.
- Fully charged battery – A backup battery ensures the AED has power when needed.
- CPR mask or face shield – Protects rescuers while providing rescue breaths.
- Razor – Removes chest hair to improve electrode pad adhesion.
- Scissors – Allows for quick removal of clothing.
- Gloves – Provides hygiene and protection for the rescuer.
- Towel or gauze pads – Used to dry the chest before applying pads.
- First aid kit – Helps treat minor injuries in addition to cardiac emergencies.
Keeping these items in an AED carrying case ensures quick and efficient use during an emergency.
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