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10 Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Workplace AED

An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is a crucial device to have in your workplace, regardless of team size or whether your work is customer facing. These easy-to-use machines can help save a life during a cardiac event, making them invaluable for safety and peace of mind. But there are numerous factors to consider when selecting an AED which will impact how well a machine meets the needs of your size and type of facility, budget, and staff training level. Read on to learn how to select an AED for your company!

1. Ease of Use

There are two general categories of AEDs: public access and professional use. Public access AEDs are designed to be used by anyone, even without medical training, and as such have clear, automated visual and audio prompts to help guide the user. You’ll find these AEDs most commonly in public spaces like schools, offices, and airports. Professional use AEDs have more specialized features and are intended to be used by healthcare professionals or trained first responders.

The level of rescuer support provided by an AED is meaningful. AEDs don’t just deliver shocks but may also instruct the user on proper timing and performance of chest compressions according to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for CPR. This can double the survival rate for someone going into cardiac arrest.

2. Shock Delivery

AEDs are also categorized by whether they have automatic or semi-automatic shock delivery. When an AED delivers shocks automatically, the machine will analyze a patient’s heart rhythm and shock them at necessary intervals, first warning anyone nearby to stand clear. Semi-automatic AEDs still monitor the patient but alert the responder to when a shock is necessary and instruct them to press a button.

3. Durability

If your workplace is in a controlled, indoor environment, most AEDs will be suitable. If you work in a harsher environment, especially an outdoors one, you’ll need an AED that’s resistant to dust, water, and other environmental factors like extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations.

4. Readiness

Any delay when using an AED can be disastrous. Some models perform automatic, regular self-checks on the condition of their circuitry, batteries, and pads, with alerts when parts need to be repaired or replaced. Readiness indicators and WiFi connections are options that help improve machine readiness.

5. Battery Life

A long-lasting battery helps to ensure your AED will be functional when it’s needed. Low-battery alerts and easy replacement will help you keep your AED in optimal shape.

6. Pad Life

Electrode pads wear out over time, with lifespans ranging from 18 months to 5 years even with limited use. Replacing them is necessary but may be costly, so choose an AED that fits in your budget.

7. Pediatric Use

AED pads deliver a significant shock, which for safety reasons needs to be adjusted for children under 8 years old or weighing less than 55 pounds. Pediatric pads should be available in workplaces where children may be present, such as schools, daycare facilities, libraries, and shopping centers.

8. Data Storage and Transfer

Some AEDs store incident data that can be useful for later review by medical professionals. This is more commonplace with professional models in clinical settings.

9. Cost and Warranty

The cost of an AED isn’t just the initial price. As mentioned above, replacement parts and maintenance fees should be taken into account when determining which machine best fits into your budget. Make sure you look at the manufacturer’s warranty, which may offer replacement of a failing machine within a certain timeframe. Some can last as long as 8 years!

10. Training and Support

Some AED suppliers offer training programs for users, which can boost your team’s understanding of the machine and confidence in using it. Suppliers may also offer benefits like maintenance reminders or parts replacement options.

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