Choosing A Automated External Defibrillator (AED) For Personal Use
By Linda Woolsey
Sudden cardiac arrest, one of America's leading causes of death, can be reversed by a timely response with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Because of this, AEDs are becoming more and more commonplace in public areas such as malls, airports, stadiums and schools. Many businesses have implemented AED programs as part of their employee safety plan. Although this proactive position has all ready prevented many deaths, statistics continue to show that the majority of sudden cardiac arrests occur in the home.
Recently AED manufacturers have begun pursuing the 'home market' by producing simpler and less expensive models. One model has the distinction of being cleared by the FDA for home use. What this means is that a prescription is not necessary to purchase it. However, most sellers will supply a prescription for any AED at no additional cost.
All AEDs are similar but not alike. Selecting a specific AED for personal use should depend partly on your circumstances and lifestyle.The differences in ease of use, size, weight, water and dust protection, pad and battery shelf life, not to mention overall costs, can be significant depending on whether you plan to keep it in your home, boat, RV or perhaps part of your camping gear.
AEDs usually have an Ingress Protection Rating which describes how they are protected against dust and water or liquids. The actual definition of the word ingress is the act of entering. The rating is expressed in two numbers; the first number shows the amount of protection from particles ranging from 0 equaling no protection to 6 which signifies dust tight. The second number shows protection from liquids with 0 describing no protection to 8 which is protection during continuous submersion in water.An AED with a rating of IP54 would be protected from dust or sand and could be used in heavy rain. In your home this rating will not matter too much but if you plan on keeping an AED on a boat or you like to camp in the desert or at the beach, it makes a difference.
AEDs have different sizes and weights. The lightest is 2.4 lbs. and not much bigger than a compact disc. The heaviest one is over six lbs and is closer to the size of a small laptop computer. If you are schlepping an AED on a backpacking trip obviously size and weight makes a difference.
Costs vary depending on which manufacturer you chose and where you by it. Prices range from under $1000 to $2400. The costs of replacing the pads and batteries differ considerably as well as how often they need to be replaced. One manufacturer uses consumer batteries which are inexpensive and accessible.
Some AED features are universal such as verbal instructions on how to apply the pads (electrodes) and to stand clear of the patient during analysis and shock. Several AEDs have voice and text commands, others have pictures with flashing lights. Because Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a critical component of using an AED, some give instructions on doing CPR, others have a metronome to assist with the correct rate of compressions and one even gives the rescuer feedback on the correct compression depth. Some defibrillators also have an option of an LCD readout that shows the hearts electrical activity once the pads are applied.
How important is all this? That really depends on your level of comfort or discomfort. If you do not have a medical background an LCD readout (which often costs more) is probably not necessary. Some people prefer simplicity and others like every bell and whistle. If you plan on taking the AED near water or outdoors it is important to be aware of the ingress rating. If you plan on carrying it for any distance then size, weight and how compact it is will be important. Pads and batteries with a longer shelf life are more cost effective.
Knowing which features are important to you before you begin to look will make narrowing the choice down that much easier. Remember all AEDs will shock the same cardiac arrhythmias and potentially reverse sudden death. Ultimately the best AED is the one you have.
Linda Woolsey RN, BA is a registered nurse and a Basic Life Support Instructor with the American Heart Association. She is also certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Health/Fitness Instructor and has worked extensively with people to improve their medical conditions through nutrition and exercise. For the past seven years she has worked in health and safety, promoting public awareness of automated external defibrillators.
She can be reached at woolseyconsulting@gmail.com or check out her blog at http://lindasheartbeat.blogspot.com/
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