The potential to save a life with an AED is huge. Over 200,000 Americans die of sudden cardiac arrest each year, and another life will be claimed in the time it takes you to read this article. The American Red Cross estimates that up to 50,000 of these deaths could have been prevented if a defibrillator was available at the time of the cardiac arrest.
The number of AED trained Americans has greatly increased in the last 10 years as the Red Cross, and other organizations, have taken the necessary steps to make AED training available for everyone. The Red Cross has set a goal to have at least one person in every household to be trained in proper AED use. This goal has already translated to saved lives as the number of AED equipped offices, airports, and schools has increased.
On average, only about 6% of Sudden Cardiac Arrest victims survive. The chance of survival decreases by 10% with each minute that passes after a SCA. However, the use of an AED on a victim more than doubles their chance of survival. Of the first eight SCA victims shocked on American Airlines flights after its fleet was equipped, six survived.
The benefit of AEDs is obvious, but how do you choose one? When choosing an AED, the features and benefits should be examined before price.
The buyer should consider:
- The simplicity of operation. AEDs with ‘one-button’ operation are easier to use.
- Whether the AED has voice prompts to guide the user through defibrillation steps.
- Battery life. It is important that the battery be guaranteed for at least 2 years to ensure the AED is capable in the event of an emergency.
- Event recording and data management to create a ‘paper trail’.
- Incremental energy features.
- Waveform features. Most AED’s are available in monophasic and biphasic waveforms.
Product Recommendations
Because user confidence is so important to eliminate doubts and confusion during an emergency, an AED should be as easy to use as possible. Features that make an AED easier to use include ‘voice prompt’ features and ‘one-button’ operation. The HeartSine Samaritan PAD comes in two models (300P-1 and 300P-2) that offer these two features in a compact, easy-to-use device. The Defibtech Lifeline offers similar features and also has a 5-year guaranteed battery life so this defibrillator is ready at any moment.
