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Choosing the Right AED for You in 2023
As we approach the year 2023, it’s important to consider the best options for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These life-saving devices can be found in a variety of settings, from hospitals and schools to office buildings and public venues. When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), having an AED on hand can be the difference between life and death.
When choosing an AED, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is the device’s ease of use. Look for an AED with clear, easy-to-follow instructions and minimal user input. The device should also be lightweight and portable, so it can be easily carried to the location where it is needed.
Another key factor is the device’s reliability and durability. Look for an AED with a good track record and a reputation for reliability. Consider the device’s maintenance requirements and the availability of replacement parts and services.
Does a larger number of AEDs in the general public make a difference? Data shows unadjusted survival to hospital discharge after EMS-treated OHCA increased from 10.2% in 2006 to 12.4% in 2015. Trend data reveals the incident-survival percentage continues to improve, making a strong scientific case for the deployment of AEDs.
An important aspect to consider is the average EMS response time in your area. Virtually all Sudden Cardiac Arrests become fatal after 10 minutes, and the average EMS response time in many metropolitan areas is at the same mark. In rural areas, the response time can be even longer. This is ultimately why AEDs are crucial and becoming more commonplace in society.
Lightweight AEDs
These devices are portable and easy to carry, making them ideal for use in a variety of settings, including homes, offices, and public spaces. They are also simple to use, with clear instructions and visual displays that guide the user through the process of administering defibrillation. This can be a vital tool in saving the life of someone experiencing a cardiac arrest, as the chances of survival decrease significantly with each passing minute.
Table of Contents
Best AEDs for Home
Best AEDs for EMS
Best AEDs for Office Buildings
Best AEDs for Public Venues (e.g. sports stadiums, concert halls)
Best AEDs for Gyms and Fitness Centers
Best AEDs for Hotels and Resorts
Best AEDs for Businesses or Heavy Industry
Best AEDs for Parks and Recreation
Best AEDs for Places of Worship
Best AEDs for Schools
AED Glossary
Use Our AED Tool
5 Things to Consider
Studies Show AEDs Make A Difference
Best AED for Home
The Philips Home HS1 Defibrillator is a top choice for home AEDs due to its reasonable price, FDA approval for home use, and easy-to-use design. Unlike some other AEDs on the market, the Philips Home HS1 does not require a prescription, making it an easily accessible option for anyone looking to have an AED on hand in case of an emergency.
The unit has a simple design, with clear instructions and guidance to help users operate it effectively. Overall, the Philips Home HS1 Defibrillator is a reliable and affordable option for anyone looking to have an AED in their home.
According to SCA Aware and the American Heart Association, over 70% of SCA cases happen outside of the hospital, with an estimated 90% being fatal. The usage of an AED in addition to CPR can dramatically improve the odds of survival.
Best AEDs for EMS
The HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P is an excellent choice for emergency medical services (EMS) due to its durability and ability to withstand wear and tear. Its rugged construction is rated IP 56, which means it is resistant to dust, water, and other environmental factors, making it suitable for use in a variety of conditions.
The device is also lightweight, at just 2.4 pounds, making it easy to carry and transport to an emergency scene. The PAD 350P has voice prompts and printed graphics with indicator lights to guide users through the defibrillation process, as well as CPR prompts with simple guidance and a metronome to help users perform CPR correctly.
The device also has a unique “Pad-Pak” battery and electrode pad combo, which makes it easy to replace and maintain the device.
Like the 350P, the LIFEPAK CR2 is also a great choice for EMS due to its durability and ease of use in stressful situations.
Its rugged design is designed to withstand wear and tear, making it suitable for use in a variety of conditions. The device is also easy to use, with a simple one-step process to turn it on by opening the lid. The clear voice instructions and prompts guide users through the defibrillation process, with self-adjusting volume to ensure that the instructions can be heard even in noisy environments.
The device also has CPR guidance to help users perform CPR correctly, as well as a child mode and QUIK-STEP technology, which allows one set of pads to be used for both adults and children.
Overall, the LIFEPAK CR2 is a reliable and user-friendly choice for EMS, with features designed to make it easy to use in stressful situations and withstand the wear and tear of regular use in the field.
Best AEDs for Office Buildings
The Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 is a great option for offices due to its bilingual capacity and on-screen directions. This AED is able to provide instructions in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
The on-screen directions are clear and easy to follow, helping users to quickly and effectively use the device in case of an emergency. Additionally, the Powerheart G5 comes with Intellisense CPR Feedback pads, which provide audio prompts and visual aids to guide the rescuer through CPR.
This can be especially useful for individuals who may not have previous CPR training. Overall, the Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 is a reliable and user-friendly AED that is well-suited for use in an office setting. Bare in mind that the G5 is recommended to be housed indoors during the cold winter months.
Another option is the Defibtech Lifeline View due to its ease of use and low unit cost. This device has a lightweight design with a built-in carrying handle, making it easy to transport and store.
The device also features a full-color interactive display, providing users with clear instructions and guidance in an emergency. This AED is known for its high level of guidance, making it a reliable choice for individuals who may not have previous experience using an AED.
Overall, the Defibtech Lifeline View is a cost-effective and user-friendly option for office buildings.
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Best AEDs for Public Venues (e.g. sports stadiums, concert halls)
The Philips OnSite AED is a great option for venues due to its reasonable price, durability, and simple design. This AED is known for its reliable performance and is the most widely sold unit ever.
It has a straightforward design, with clear instructions and guidance to help users operate it effectively in case of an emergency.
The Philips OnSite is also lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry to the location where it is needed. Overall, the Philips OnSite AED is a reliable and affordable option for venues looking to have an AED on hand.
Another option is the ZOLL AED Plus thanks to its rugged design, versatility, and low cost to own.
This AED is able to withstand a range of environments, making it a reliable choice for any venue. It is also versatile, with the ability to handle multiple rescue scenarios and provide real-time feedback to responders.
The ZOLL AED Plus is a top choice for venues looking to have an AED on hand due to its unique 1-piece electrode/CPR pad, which simplifies the rescue process and allows users to focus on providing life-saving care. Its best-in-class CPR detection and guidance make it a reliable and cost-effective option for venues both indoors and out.
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Best AEDs for Gyms and Fitness Centers
The Defibtech View is a great fit for gyms due to its user-friendly design and durable construction.
This AED has a large, full-color interactive display that provides clear instructions and guidance to users in case of an emergency. It also has pediatric pads for pediatric rescue, making it a versatile option for any rescue scenario.
The View has Real Time Protocol Selection, which allows it to adapt to the specific needs of the patient, providing optimal defibrillation. Its easy maintenance and compact, portable design make it a convenient choice for any gym. The View is lightweight, weighing just under three pounds making it easy to store and transport.
Its rugged and durable construction ensures that it can withstand a range of environments and conditions. Overall, the View is a reliable and user-friendly AED that is well-suited for use in gyms.
Another option is the ZOLL AED Plus. This device is a good fit for gyms due to its user-friendly design and rugged construction.
Its Real CPR Help feature provides real-time CPR feedback on the rate and depth of chest compressions, helping to ensure that CPR is performed effectively. The audio prompts and visual icons complement the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival, making it easy to understand and use in case of an emergency.
The easy-to-place, one-piece CPR-D-padz® electrodes have a 5-year shelf life, providing added peace of mind for users. The AED Plus also has a fully automatic feature, which means that it will deliver a shock on its own when a shockable heart rhythm is detected.
Its rugged design, with an IP (ingress protection) rating of IP55 for dust and water, allows it to withstand conditions such as extreme temperature, altitude, vibration, and shock. Additionally, the AED Plus has lithium batteries (Duracell 123a) with a 5-year battery life and automatic self-testing to help ensure a state of readiness.
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Best AEDs for Hotels and Resorts
The Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 AED is a perfect fit for hotels and resorts due to its bilingual capacity and user-friendly design. This AED has on-screen directions, making it easy to use and understand in case of an emergency.
Its IP (ingress protection) rating of IP55 ensures that it is protected against dust and water, making it well-suited for use in a variety of environments. The G5 has a rugged design that withstands conditions such as extreme temperature, high altitudes, and vibration. Its defibrillation pads have a 2-year shelf life, providing added peace of mind for users.
The Rescue Ready® indicator shows the readiness status of the battery, pads, and device, ensuring that the AED is always ready for use. Additionally, the Powerheart G5 comes with a soft carry case, making it easy to transport and store for travel.
Overall, the Powerheart G5 AED is a reliable and user-friendly choice for hotels and resorts.
Another option is the Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2 is an excellent fit for resorts due to its self-monitoring capabilities and user-friendly design.
With the ability to self-monitor, you don’t have to check the AED every day to ensure it is ready for use – the device will let you know when it needs attention. Its wireless connectivity to the program manager makes it easy to track and maintain, while the metronome with CPR coaching makes it easy to use in case of an emergency.
The CR2 is also bilingual, allowing users to switch between English and Spanish with the push of a button. Its high IP55 rating makes it well-suited for use in high moisture and dust environments, and the ability to switch from adult to child mode with the push of a button eliminates the need for separate pads for children.
Additionally, the CR2 has a four-year pad life and a four-year battery, making it easy to schedule maintenance.
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Best AEDs for Businesses or Heavy Industry
The Heartsine Samaritan PAD 360P AED is a great choice for small businesses due to its user-friendly design and rugged construction. This AED has voice prompts and printed graphics with indicator lights, making it easy to use and understand in case of an emergency.
The PAD 360P also has automatic shock capabilities, allowing it to provide effective defibrillation without the need for user intervention. Its rugged construction, with an IP Rating of 56, makes it able to withstand a range of dusty or damp conditions. Additionally, the PAD 360P is the lightest weight AED on the market at just 2.4 lbs, making it easy to carry and store.
Its CPR prompts with simple guidance and metronome, along with the unique “Pad-Pak” Battery/Electrode Pad combo, make it a reliable choice for small businesses looking to have an AED on hand.
Overall, the Heartsine Samaritan PAD 360P AED is a cost-effective and user-friendly option that is perfect for meeting safety requirements.
An option that leans more suitable for heavy industrial areas, warehouses or shipyards is the ZOLL AED 3.
As the newest AED device approved by the FDA, it is a reliable and cutting-edge choice for any industrial setting.
The AED 3 is equipped with one set of pads that can be used for adults or children, making it a versatile option for any rescue scenario. It also comes with an 8-year warranty, providing added peace of mind for users.
The device is very rugged, and able to withstand tough environments and conditions. Its Enhanced Real CPR Help feature provides real-time feedback to responders, helping to ensure that CPR is performed effectively. Additionally, the AED 3 is wifi-capable, allowing for easy maintenance and event reporting.
Overall, the ZOLL AED 3 is a reliable and user-friendly AED that is well-suited for use in heavy industrial areas.
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Best AEDs for Parks and Recreation
The Philips HeartStart FRx is a top AED for parks and recreation areas due to its durability and versatility. This device is drop and crush-tested, making it able to withstand rough environments and conditions.
It has a high IP Rating, which means it is protected against dust and water. The Philips HeartStart FRx is also a popular choice for state parks due to its ability to handle multiple rescue scenarios. It comes with a pediatric key, which allows for the use of one set of pads for both adults and children.
Overall, the FRX is a reliable and user-friendly AED that is well-suited for use in parks and recreation areas.
The Heartsine Samaritan PAD 450P AED is a great fit for parks due to its portability and ease of use.
It is one of the most portable and easy-to-carry devices on the market, making it a convenient choice for rangers or park officials to transport quickly. The PAD 450P is equipped with SMART Biphasic technology, which optimizes high and low current usage to provide effective defibrillation.
It is also lightweight and has a low unit cost, making it a cost-effective option for parks and recreation areas. Additionally, the PAD 450P has a high dust and IP rating, making it well-suited for use in outdoor environments. Its easy-to-use design and guidance, along with the electrode-based CPR Rate Advisor with audio-visual feedback, make it a reliable and user-friendly AED for parks.
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Best AEDs for Places of Worship
The Philips HeartStart OnSite is a versatile device and fits the needs of many of our worship center clients due to its key features that ensure ease of use and reliability.It is the most widely sold automated external defibrillator (AED) in the world, which is a testament to its effectiveness and durability.
The setup is straightforward, with clear voice commands guiding users through the process.
Additionally, the OnSite features a CPR-guiding metronome to help users perform CPR correctly and effectively. Regular self-tests ensure the device is always ready for use, with daily, weekly, and monthly checks to ensure proper functioning.
Another option to consider is the ZOLL AED 3 due to its user-friendly design and cutting-edge technology.
This AED has a child mode setting, making it a versatile option for any rescue scenario. It is also available as a Value Package with a cabinet, providing added convenience and storage options.
The AED 3 has a very rugged design, making it able to withstand a range of environments and conditions. Its best-in-class CPR guidance is provided through cutting-edge technology, helping to ensure that CPR is performed effectively.
Additionally, the AED 3 is wifi-capable, allowing for easy maintenance and event reporting.
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Best AEDs for Schools
The LIFEPAK CR2 is a top AED for schools due to its ease of use, clear instructions, and versatility. With the ability to turn on the device simply by opening the lid, the LIFEPAK CR2 is an intuitive choice for anyone looking to have an AED on hand in case of an emergency.
Its ClearVoice instructions and prompts provide clear guidance to users, and the self-adjusting volume ensures that the instructions can be heard in any environment. The LIFEPAK CR2 also has CPR guidance and a child mode, making it well-suited for use in a school setting.
Additionally, its QUIK-STEP technology allows for the use of one set of pads for both adults and children, further simplifying the rescue process. Overall, the LIFEPAK CR2 is a reliable and user-friendly AED that is well-suited for use in schools
The ZOLL AED Plus is a top AED for schools due to its rugged design, versatility, and low cost to own.
This device is able to withstand a range of environments, making it a reliable choice for any school. It is also versatile, with the ability to handle multiple rescue scenarios and provide real-time feedback to responders.
With its best-in-class CPR quality detection and guidance, the device dramatically improves the quality of CPR due to its feedback capabilities. Improving the quality of CPR has been shown to improve survival rates. Overall, the ZOLL AED Plus is a reliable and cost-effective option for schools looking to have an AED on hand.
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Devices Mentioned in this Article
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AED Glossary
A list of terms and definitions to guide you through the terminology we use in the AED industry.
Arrhythmia: An abnormal heart rhythm, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, illness, or medication.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator): A portable device that is used to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a shock to the heart through the chest wall.
Chain of Survival: A set of actions that are taken in response to a cardiac arrest, including early recognition, activation of emergency medical services, CPR, defibrillation, and advanced life support.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): A lifesaving technique that is used to restore blood flow and breathing to a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating.
Defibrillation: The process of using an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm in a person who is experiencing a life-threatening arrhythmia.
ECG (Electrocardiogram): A test that is used to measure the electrical activity of the heart.
EMS (Emergency Medical Services): Services that are provided in response to a medical emergency, including ambulance transportation, medical treatment, and transport to a hospital.
IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating): A classification system that is used to define the level of protection that an electronic device has against dust, water, and other foreign objects.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A life-threatening condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating, leading to a lack of blood flow to the body.
What To Consider When Purchasing an AED
When purchasing an AED, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right device for your needs. Here are a few key things to think about:- Intended Use: Consider where and how you will be using the AED. Will it be on board a boat, in a public space, or in a healthcare setting? Different AEDs are designed for different uses, so it’s important to choose a device that is appropriate for your needs.
- User-Friendliness: AEDs are designed to be easy to use in an emergency situation, but some devices may be easier to operate than others. Consider factors such as the size and weight of the AED, the user interface, and the overall design to ensure that it is easy to use in a stressful situation.
- Training and Support: AEDs are typically simple to operate, but it is still important to receive training on how to use the device properly. Look for a manufacturer that offers training and support for users, either through in-person classes or online resources.
- Cost and Maintenance: Portable AEDs can vary in price, depending on the features and capabilities of the device. Consider your budget and the overall cost of ownership, including any ongoing maintenance or replacement costs.
- Brand and Reputation: Choose a reputable brand with a proven track record in the AED industry. Look for manufacturers that have a strong reputation for producing high-quality devices.
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Studies Show AEDs Make A Difference
One study that demonstrates the importance of early defibrillation in saving lives is a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2002. The study titled “Public Use of Automated External Defibrillators” assessed the effectiveness of AEDs when used by random bystanders during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
AEDs were installed in easily accessible, well-marked public areas throughout the airports and their use was promoted through public service videos, pamphlets, and media reports. Over a two-year period, 21 people had non-traumatic cardiac arrests, 18 of whom had ventricular fibrillation. In the cases of four patients with ventricular fibrillation, AEDs were not nearby or used within five minutes, and none of these patients survived.
However, 11 patients with ventricular fibrillation were successfully resuscitated, including eight who regained consciousness before hospital admission. Most of the users who assisted in the resuscitation of these patients had no duty to act and no prior training in the use of AEDs, although some had medical degrees.
At one year, 10 out of the 18 patients with ventricular fibrillation were alive and neurologically intact.
The study concludes that AEDs deployed in readily accessible, well-marked public areas in Chicago airports were used effectively to assist patients with cardiac arrest by random bystanders.
Prices range depending on the features and brand of the AED, but the typical range is $1400 to $2500.
Most AEDs come with an 8-year manufacturer warranty. Using third-party accessories that are not FDA-approved voids the warranty and removes manufacturer indemnification.
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