Do AEDs Store Data From Rescues?

When an AED is involved in a sudden cardiac arrest emergency, a lot of important information is recorded within the device to inform its life-saving decisions. With all that analysis, it makes you wonder—do AEDs store data from rescues? If so, what kind of data do they store? How long do they keep it? Is this information valuable for care post-emergency? 

So, Do AEDs Store Data?

Not only do AEDs store data, but they do so in quite a sophisticated way. 

AEDs are designed to automatically store data about their last clinical use in their internal memory for a period of time. Philips AEDs retain this information for 30 days after the event and their stored data includes:

• ECG recordings up to 15 minutes of the patient’s heart rhythm after the pads are applied.
• Device status tracking for how the AED itself performed throughout the entire incident.
• Rhythm analysis decision information showing the AED’s interpretations of the heart’s rhythm and whether a shock was advised.
• Time-stamped details of key events that occurred during the rescue attempt.

This information provides a comprehensive picture of what happened during the rescue. It’s essentially a detailed medical report that’s generated in real-time during the emergency.

Can AEDs be used on any age? Find out now. 

Can You Access an AED’s Stored Data?

Accessing the data stored in an AED is a relatively straightforward process, but you have options. There are two main methods to access this information with Philips HeartStart AEDs:

Voice Summary Feature

For a quick overview, many AEDs offer a voice summary feature. On Philips HeartStart AEDs, you can hold down the “i-button” until the device beeps. The AED will then verbally report key information, such as how many shocks were delivered and how long it’s been since the device was last used. This feature is great for responders like EMS who need immediate, on-site information.

Specialized Software

Retrieving detailed data from the device’s internal memory requires specialized software. Philips AEDs, for example, use HeartStart Event Review software and an infrared cable connected to a computer. This method allows for a complete download of all stored data, including the full ECG recordings and detailed event logs. 

You can purchase HeartStart Event Review software and infrared cables through First Edition. Contact us for more information.  

There are time constraints for data retrieval. Philips HeartStart AEDs have a 30-day storage window, so it’s best to act quickly to ensure no data is lost. If you need more time, the battery can be removed to stop the internal clock. We recommend using caution with this action though, as it usually affects time-related event info and erases last-use summary data. 

For those who aren’t comfortable with data retrieval or simply want to ensure it’s done correctly, First Edition offers a professional data extraction service. This service also includes additional benefits like AED cleaning, refurbishing, and functionality testing.

Why AED Data is Important

The data stored by AEDs has significant implications for patient care and device functionality. 

For Medical Professionals

Doctors treating a cardiac arrest survivor can get valuable insights from AED data. The ECG recordings provide a window into the patient’s heart activity during the critical moments of the event. This information may help guide treatment decisions and long-term care plans. 

Learn about cardiac arrest recovery and the journey of returning home.

For Emergency Responders

EMS teams and other first responders can use AED data to evaluate and inform their actions upon arrival. The time-stamped events show how quickly the AED was applied and how long it took to deliver the first shock if needed. This information can help teams respond even more effectively.

For AED Maintenance

The device status information stored can also alert owners to any performance issues with the AED itself to make sure they are always ready for use when needed.

Routine maintenance is key to keeping your AED performing optimally. Access our ultimate AED maintenance guide now! 

In answer to our initial question, “Do AEDs store data from rescues”—yes, they do. Extremely well.

AEDs are remarkable in their dual role. Not only do they provide crucial intervention in cardiac emergencies, but they also act as silent witnesses. The data that they meticulously record automatically—from ECG readings to time-stamped events—offers invaluable insights for medical professionals, emergency responders, and AED owners alike.

Need to retrieve data from your AED? We can help! Reach out the First Edition today.