5 Things You Should Consider When Buying an AED
Congratulations! It’s wonderful to see that you are making the important decision to invest in a life-saving device for your home, business, or even your vehicle. Purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is an important investment in the safety of those around you. They are designed to assess and deliver electrical therapy to victims of cardiac events or arrhythmias in an emergency situation.
Having the ability to deliver this type of treatment was only allowed for professional medical attendants and paramedics in history. Now, though, there are a number of easy-to-use and portable assistive devices on the market that any person (even with no medical background) can operate confidently with basic training (or no training at all).
Shopping for the right automated external defibrillator can be confusing because there are so many options available. This article will walk you through some of the things you should consider before making your AED purchase. Keep reading for 5 things that you should consider when buying an AED.
Ask Yourself… ‘Where Will the AED be Used?’
Automated external defibrillators for your home or a school setting, you should consider buying an AED that is different from what you may buy for use while boating or camping with the family.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Will you be traveling with your AED?
- Will your AED be stored in your desk?
- How many people come into contact with your location?
- Are you in a remote location far away from emergency assistance?
Find out where you think you’ll be using it most and then you can more easily select the right device.
Who Will Be Using the AED?
Some businesses choose to have a device available to anyone in their office building, similar to a fire extinguisher, while others keep it as part of a general first aid kit. If the public will is about to access the AED then the HeartStart Onsite AED would be a good choice because it offers voice commands that guide the user through each step. This means someone can operate this with little or no first-aid training.
Some people will feel more confident in the use of an AED when they are trained. If you wish to take training and have more advanced skills, learning to use the HeartStart FR3 would be a great choice. This AED has advanced features such as ECG monitoring and manual controls which give a trained individual more in-depth information. This machine is generally used for more advanced needs and is not necessary for most home and office environments.
If you are looking for a more rugged device for your construction site or factory, or even a work vehicle, then the FRx Defibrillator may be the best choice for you.
The Cost of an AED
Cost can come into play when selecting a device, however it is also important to give weight to what in the end will give you the most value. All of this information can help determine which AED you are able to purchase.
The cost of an automated external defibrillator can range from $1500 to upwards of $20,000. Most people look for a device with a cost of about $1,500 to $5,000. Price is directly related to the features and options that the device offers. On the more expensive side, you will find features which include ECG monitoring, manual override options, and exterior housing units.
In some case you may also find improved battery life or voice prompts in some units. On the more basic end, you’ll find AEDs with very basic operation and features. Consider these additions before buying your AED!
AED Support & Warranty
When purchasing a device you want to make sure it has a 5 to 8 year warranty or more and varying levels of support so that you can get the most out of your purchase. It is also vital to make sure to read the fine print when purchasing an AED so that you understand not only what you are buying, but also the process of contacting support.
AED Training Capabilities
Many of the AEDs now available can be used without any training. This is why they can save lives at the hands of anyone who needs to use them. With any skill, it is important that you don’t wait until an event happens to use it. Practicing, supported by proper training CAN have an impact on the effectiveness of the treatment.
If you want to make sure people in your family or workplace have training then find out which devices will best meet your needs. Choosing an AED with training mode will be a good idea so people can practice as much as they need to. Luckily, many AEDs are available with a training mode option which allows you to complete each step of the process, but no real shocks will be given.
No matter which AED you decide to purchase, know that you are making a choice that could save many lives. In a recent statement by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, “AEDs used in conjunction with CPR can increase the likelihood of saving a person’s life by 75% over using CPR alone.”
If you have any questions or would like guidance in purchasing the right AED for you, please contact us. We would love to hear from you and help you select the best AED!
We prepare all of the time without even thinking about it – prepare ingredients for following a recipe, bringing along a first aid kit, having a spare tire in your car… So what other emergency situations is it best we prepare for when it comes to heart health? Here are emergency situations where you need to use an AED!
