Your organization chooses to invest in life-protecting AEDs or perhaps you have them and are seeking to upgrade to the latest lifesaving technology. But how do you go about choosing which one of the six FDA brands to select, or even further which model and configuration. This would take an individual or safety team weeks to research and price. But AED One-Stop Shop & purchaseAEDs.com have the perfect tool for you to compare, contrast and price Automated External Defibrillators, introducing the AED Buyer’s Guide. We weigh 15 crucial criteria to your selection and make a professional recommendation accompanied by a discounted price quote. Here are the criteria that we ask for your organization’s feelings on:
1. Price and Initial Cost
As with many items one buys, you get what you pay for. Typically the higher the price of an AED the better the reputation and the better the AED features.
2. CPR Prompts
CPR is an integral part of a rescue and AEDs provide prompts which may include a CPR metronome or even more prompting.
3. Cost of Ownership
Beyond the initial investment in the AEDs, the purchase of batteries, pads and maintenance of the AED program need to be considered.
4. Ease-of-Use and Usability
Public Defibrillators are designed with simplicity in mind, but usability studies suggest that some brands/models are more straightforward and thus quicker to operate and deliver a shock.
5. Visual Prompts
All AEDs feature voice prompts but some provide better visual indicators and prompts than others such as diagrams, flashing lights, LCD screens, or text screens.
6. Fully-Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic Shock Delivery
Fully-Automatic (delivers a shock without pushing a button) verses Semi-Automatic devices (require the pushing of a shock button).
7. Size, Shape and Weight
AEDs are sometimes stored in wall cabinets but other times are needed to be light and compact for better portability.
8. Ruggedness and Durability
Some applications, such as a first responder, might require more ruggedness out of the AED to withstand drops and rougher conditions.
9. Water and Dust Resiliency
An IP rating or an Ingress Protection Marking rates the level of protection to a wet or dusty environment.
10. Reliability and Warranty
All AEDs do self-tests of components but some do more extensive and frequent testing. Also contributing to reliability is warranty which range from 5 – 10 years.
11. Defibrillation Technology
An AED’s primary purpose is to deliver life-saving defibrillation therapy to a Sudden Cardiac Arrest victim. Each brand does so in a different manner.
12. Advanced ECG Functionality
Some AEDs have the capability to show the patient’s ECG rhythm which is an important feature for a medical professional or professional rescuer.
13. Language for Voice Prompts
Some AEDs models have the capability to have voice and visual prompts in another language.
14. AED Program Management
An organization must ensure their life-saving AEDs are ready to save lives. Web-based readiness software helps to automate this.
15. CPR/AED Training
To have a complete well-designed AED program requires both AED training and CPR Certification.
If you’d like some more personalized help you can call us at 855-677-2337. Should you be upgrading from old AEDs to new ones, did you know there’s a FREE AED Recycling Program available?
