Defibrillators (AED’s) are essential pieces of equipment that are used where CPR is required.

A person who needs CPR is usually unresponsive and has trouble breathing. In such cases, timing, as well as life-saving devices like these, are critical.

In this article, I’ll give you more information about portable AED’s and also recommend some devices to purchase for your workplace.

Best Portable Defibrillator

Philips HeartStart AED Defibrillator Business Package

The Philips HeartStart defibrillator is designed to provide safety in the workplace. It provides access to step-by-step voice prompts and CPR instructions during an emergency.

The package includes incredible AED smart pads that are used to send feedback to the system so it can offer voice prompts according to your required pace.

You can buy AED training pads separately to instantly transform the defibrillator into an on-site training device.

The wall sign included can be hung on the wall for easy access and the quick response kit contains everything you need to offer patient assistance and personal protection confidently.

To avoid theft incidents, the defibrillator can be stored in the AED standard cabinet until the need for it arises. This defibrillator kit has our vote for the best portable device.

What customers are saying

Customers were extremely happy with their purchase and praised its quality, affordability, and easy instructions. Some even used it already and said it helped save a life.

However, some people had issues with the battery not lasting as long as expected.

Best Home Office AED

Philips HeartStart Home AED Defibrillator

This Philips HeartStart model is the best on the market for your home office. The support and training it offers could help you save someone’s life in a stressful situation.

Speaking of training and support, you’ll receive an instruction manual, maintenance and setup guide, training DVD, and quick reference instructions.

You’ll also get a slim carry case as well as pre-installed pads, cartridge, and batteries. This kit offers voice prompts and CPR assistance when you need it most.

What customers are saying

Customers gave this defibrillator excellent reviews. Some even shared their stories about actual events where they managed to save lives.

According to them, this unit works well and comes with easy instructions. However, some customers had an issue with the product not being returnable.

Best Compact Defibrillator

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If you’re looking for a compact and easy to use defibrillator that’s affordable and for both adults and kids, this one is for you.

With the ZOLL defibrillator by your side, you’ll be able to keep a clear head and assist the patient confidently.

The device lets you know whether you’re applying enough pressure or not and even shows you each compression depth.

You can use it on kids up to 8 years old as long as you buy the ZOLL Pedi-Padz separately. The lithium batteries are affordable and last up to 5 years on standby mode.

This defibrillator received decent ratings with most customers saying they are satisfied with their purchase and that it does what it is supposed to.

Best For Training

Prestan AED UltraTrainer

The Prestan AED UltraTrainer is extremely unique and its handy features are unmatched.

This crafty device can provide readings with more accuracy than any other product on the market. It also has a lightweight and compact design.

The Prestan AED the preferred model for teaching students how to perform CPR and provide medical assistance to someone that needs help before the ambulance arrives.

The pads come pre-installed and give clear and precise voice commands to guide you every step of the way.

You’ll also be able to customize some options such as switching off voice commands for “give breaths” and the compression metronome.

Best AED Cabinet

AED Cabinet- Fits All Brands

This CE accredited AED cabinet can be wall-mounted and comes with an activated alarm system, key, and strobe. It also has a round-corner design for added safety.

AED cabinets like these are useful for keeping your AED defibrillator in a safe place, away from dust, dirt, and theft.

The cabinet is made from steel and the alarm sound ranges from 85 – 120 dBA, perfect for warning people in close range of a possible emergency.

Opening the unit is straightforward and quick with its handy spring hinge and pull handle. We recommend this unit as the best AED cabinet for the workplace or office.

What customers are saying

Most customers gave this cabinet excellent reviews and loved that it was easy to install, affordable, sturdy, and configurable.

Still, some were disappointed that it arrived with no instructions.

Things To Consider

• You cannot use a defibrillator on yourself.
• You can use an AED when someone is pregnant.
• When a child is experiencing cardiac arrest and you don’t have appropriate pads, connect the adult pads irrespective. The AED will evaluate whether or not to shock.
• Single out a specific person in the crowd to call 911 to avoid confusion.
• AED use is protected under Good Samaritan laws, meaning if things go haywire you can’t be held accountable if you have helped them with good intentions.
• Raising the patient’s legs when administering CPR helps with boosting blood flow to the brain and other organs, increasing the probability of survival.
• The operator of the AED or CPR must be trained. This will ensure the rescue breaths and CPR are administered correctly.

What Is An AED?

AED stands for an automated external defibrillator.

An AED is a medical device that provides step-by-step assistance to a non-medical individual administering life-saving support to someone that has gone into cardiac arrest.

The device is typically equipped with a monitor, electrodes, audio and visual instructions, and a beeping sound that tells you when to deliver a shock.

Do Workplaces Need One?

About ten thousand cardiac arrest incidents happen in the workplace every year.

Installing an AED at your workplace and training your employees on how to use it can mean the difference between life and death.

This device has life-saving potential, making it a priceless item that every workplace needs.

The benefits

Saves lives

Hundreds of thousands of cardiac arrests occur in public or at workplaces each year.

Using AEDs at the workplace while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive can increase the chance of survival by 300%.

Easy operation

AEDs are incredibly safe and easy to use. Some manufacturers also offer training as electives.

Staff training

AEDS are specially designed for aiding non-medical individuals.

However, providing basic training to staff members on how to use an AED along with CPR training can boost their confidence to step up and save someone’s life when the need arises.

Company image

Companies who invest in AEDs demonstrate that they care about the safety and health of their employees thus taking steps to safeguard it.

Potential risks

Issues with an AED can and do arise sometimes. The device may show error messages, not deliver electrical shocks, or not switch on at all.

This usually happens if it was not used for years but can also be caused by the following:

• Software bugs resulting in malfunction or displaying an error message
• Dried out electrodes if not frequently replaced or maintained
• Misdiagnosis of cardiac arrest due to faulty resistors
• Battery problems, accidental discharge, or recharging
• Malfunctioning circuit board
• Broken or incompatible connectors and cables
• Humid conditions resulting in issues

Legal considerations

The availability and sales of AED units are regulated by federal and state regulations. This is because they are viewed as medical equipment.

While the laws vary from one state to the next, they typically address medical oversight, AED installations in public places, training needs, and post-event feedback.

In some states, AEDs must be installed at schools, while others require availability in fitness institutions and health clubs.

Common Questions

Where should a defibrillator be located?

Defibrillators must be located in high-risk zones such as running tracks, gyms, electrical rooms, or highly populated areas like workplaces and schools.

The AED must preferably be installed inside a cabinet with an alarm. It should also be close to a phone and easily accessible in plain sight of everyone.

When should you not use an AED defibrillator?

• Never use an AED on a patient located in water
• Never place an AED pad over a pacemaker
• Avoid using an AED if the patient’s chest area is covered in water or sweat
• Avoid placing the AED pad on top of medication patches
• When the AED displays “stand clear”, do not touch the patient
• Never use AEDs on babies younger than 12 months old unless you’re a medical professional that has the proper training
• Avoid using adult pads with kids younger than 8, unless you do not have child-sized ones at hand.

Is an AED better than doing CPR?

Both AED and CPR are techniques used for assisting a person in sudden cardiac arrest.

Chest compressions are used for preventing the patient’s organs from shutting down. Timely admission of CPR can substantially lower the risk of potential brain damage.

An AED is a machine that is used in conjunction with CPR. The device is meant to start a patient’s heart that has stopped. It’s also ideal for people who endure abnormal heartbeats.

Can a defibrillator kill you?

If a manual defibrillator is not reversed, it could result in cardiac arrest.

However, death from defibrillators is highly unlikely because these devices are specially designed to deliver a shock only when needed.

Once an AFib/Flutter is detected, the manual defibrillator will sense that it is safe to deliver the shock and prevent the patient from entering cardiac arrest.

AEDs don’t administer shocks to patients that do not have a shockable rhythm. However, a direct shock to a healthy person can disrupt their regular heartbeat and result in death.

Therefore, it is critical that no one else touches the patient when a shock is administered.

Can anyone use a portable defibrillator?

AED devices are typically used by medical personnel, however anyone can jump in and defibrillate while waiting for the ambulance.

This will highly increase the patient’s chances of survival.

What is the success rate of a defibrillator?

According to MedLine indexed papers, the amount of minutes you administer chest compressions is not an indicator of success.

Even without compressions, a 90% success rate applies after 6 minutes of defibrillation, and the average time lapse for success sits at 9 and a half minutes.

With chest compressions administered before defibrillation, modeled data propose a 90% success rate after 10 minutes and 50% at 14 minutes.