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AEDs

Quick action is crucial when it comes to cardiac arrest, and having access to an AED can mean the difference between life and death. AEDs are available in a variety of options designed to meet your budget and needs. By defibrillating a victim within the first 3 minutes from collapse, their chance of survival increases up to 70%. 

What is an AED?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a device that can help save lives in emergency situations. It's a lightweight and portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm and changes the rhythm back to normal during sudden cardiac arrest. 

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Cardiac Arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating regularly. This happens when the heart’s natural electrical system doesn’t work correctly. If not treated within minutes, cardiac arrest quickly leads to death.

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Who needs an AED?

According to a 2007 paper published in the National Library of Medicine a combination of early CPR and AED defibration can increase the chances of survival of cardiac arrest between 49% to 75%. It's crucial to have trained lay responders who know where the AED is if someone is going into cardiac arrest within the first 3 to 5 minutes. 

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Laws on who are required to have an AED on site vary state by state. In Illinois fitness centers, licensed horse racing facilities, Facilities performing moderate or deep sedation or general anesthesia (i.e. dentist offices), police departments, secondary schools' fitness facilities. 

Link to State Laws
CPR and AED Facts from the American Heart Association.

AED Implementation. (2023, December). American Heart Association. Retrieved January 10, 2024, from https://cpr.heart.org/en/training-programs/aed-implementation

What do I need to consider when investing in an AED?

When purchasing an AED there are several factors to consider : 

  • Your initial investment.

    • Be prepared with an investment starting at $1,500. 

    • Your budget will increase with the number of features on the AED. Features include weather resistance, CPR prompting and depth compression monitoring to name a few. 

    • A place to store the AED. Are you buying a cabinet with an alarm or using a shelf?

    • What accessories do you want? AED signs? First Aid with PPE? Bleeding Control Kit?

  • You'll need to budget for battery and pad replacement on a regular basis since pads expire. 

    • Replacement or spare pads will range between $70 to $300 and must be replaced after usage or approximately every 4-5 years.

    • Replacement batteries will range around $200 approximately every 4-5 years . 

      • Some brands like HeartSine have the batteries and pads come as one part. 

  • You need to make sure your staff members are certified in CPR and AED. Certificates expire every two years. 

  • Are you going to maintain the records of the AED or will you subscribe to a service to help you?

    •  ARCH AED Management Program, from our partnership with Cardio Partners, costs $175 a year per AED. You can get replacement pads and loaner AEDs if your AED is used, get medical direction if your state requires it, and help with maintains and certification reminders. 

How To Purchase an AED for your workplace or home. 

DobrSKILLS can help you purchase your AED and get you CPR and AED certified so you are ready today for tomorrow's emergency. 

Contact us and we can start a conversation about your needs and budget to get you the right equipment and set up an in-person CPR training at your site. 

AED Phillips Heartstart AED KIT

Purchase a Philips HeartStart OnSite AED  from our partner site today.

No prescription required!

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FAQs

Do you need to be trained to use an AED?

AEDs are easy to use and guide you through the processs when you turn them on. Most states require one person on site trained to use an AED and give CPR.

Training Services

Do AEDs Need a Prescription?

Yes. AED need a doctor's prescription at purchase. We will make sure you have what you need if you purchase through us. The only AED that is over the counter is the Philips HeartStart.

Purchase a HeartStart AED

Is it safe to use an AED in the rain.

An AED is safe to use in the rain or snow. Avoid puddles and always provide a dry area when possible.

Red Cross Guidelines

Is it safe to use an AED on a pregnant woman?

Yes. The AED is safe for the mother and fetus. When attaching the Pads, make sure they don't incorporate any breast tissue from the mother.

Red Cross Guidelines

Do early childcare schools and facilities need an AED?

Your more likely going to see breathing issues leading into cardiac arrest then cardiac arrest being the primary cause. Ventilations with compressions are more important in this scenario. Overall, it does not harm to have an AED on hand just incase.

DobroSKILLS Article

Citations

  1. AED Implementation. (2023, December). American Heart Association. Retrieved January 10, 2024, from https://cpr.heart.org/en/training-programs/aed-implementation

  2. The National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2007, October). Recent advances and controversies in adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved January 10, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2600120/

  3. Illinois AED Statutes and Regulations. (n.d.). AED.com. Retrieved January 10, 2024, from https://www.aed.com/illinois-aed-statutes-regulations

  4. Cardio Partners, Inc. (2024). Buy FDA approved AEDs & AED supplies. AED Superstore. Retrieved January 10, 2024, from https://www.aedsuperstore.com/

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