Tips for Buying Automated External Defibrillators

May 24, 2010 - PRLog -- When the time comes, you want a defibrillator that will work effectively and in a timely manner. This is particularly true for automated external defibrillators (AEDs), as they will mainly be used by individuals who arrive first on the scene of a medical emergency. While such individuals may be trained in their use, they may not have medical training. Because of this, it is important to pick up an AED that is both effective and easy to use. Consider the following tips when purchasing an AED unit:

1. PAD units are designed for use by individuals who may arrive on the scene before first responders, such as security guards and flight attendants, who have no medical training but are trained to use these devices.

2. The difference between the two types of external defibrillators is mostly the level of voice prompting, with PAD offering more detailed instructions.

3. The ECG must be obtained through disposable defibrillation electrodes, and the analysis program must analyze ECG data and reach a fast decision in less than 14 seconds.

4. The external defibrillators must deliver defibrillation energy at preset levels and sequences, and users must be able to program the energy sequences without help from service personnel. The automated external defibrillators should charge to maximum energy in less than 15 seconds.

5. When the external defibrillators are turned on, analysis should start automatically, or the operator should be prompted to press an analyze button to eliminate delays in starting analysis.

6. When not in analyzing mode, the device should indicate in an audible and visual manner the presence of a potentially shockable rhythm, or a change to such a rhythm.

7. External defibrillators should be able to deliver a series of 3 shocks within 90 seconds. An automated device should not automatically deliver more than 3 successive detection-shock episodes.

8. Semi automated defibrillators, which are equipped with a discharge control, should automatically disarm when fully charged if not intentionally discharged within 10 to 30 seconds after charging. The device should provide a simple and fast way of disarming the unit manually if the charge is held for over 30 seconds. It should not lose more than 15% of the initial deliverable energy before automatic disarm in either automated external defibrillators or manual mode.

9. Fully automated defibrillators should not hold their charge more than 10 seconds before disarming.

10. Manual override can let the more experienced user continue a resuscitation attempt upon arrival without the need to remove the current defibrillator. This feature would be more commonly found on standard automated external defibrillators.

11. The automated external defibrillators, which are simple and easy-to-use, require less user training in rhythm recognition and device operation, as well as less constant education time, compared with conventional defibrillators. When the incidence of cardiac arrest is low, skill maintenance is important for users of both conventional defibrillators and automated external defibrillators.

12. An ECG display also allows the rescue to continue without having to disconnect or unravel the paddles or electrodes to switch the plug-in cord from the automated external defibrillators to a compatible defibrillator/monitor.

13. The automated external defibrillators have different documentation features such as dual-channel ECG – voice recorders or solid-state memory with a device that stores information summarizing the resuscitation attempt.

14. Several software packages are offered by some of the manufacturers of these devices to help with information storage and trending. However, many large emergency medical systems choose to develop their own databases.

15. Based on the external defibrillator amount of use, the disposable electrodes can be a serious expense.

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