Choosing the correct automated external defibrillator can be difficult. There are so many different options and features with an AED device, it may seem like an impossible task to choose an AED machine. In this blog post, we will talk about how you can find the best portable defibrillators for sale on the market today. Owning this emergency medical equipment can really mean the difference between life and death for you, a family member, someone within your business, or even a total stranger.

What is an Automated External Defibrillator

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device for emergency medicine that automatically analyzes an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) victim and delivers a shock of controlled electricity to restore an effective rhythm.

AED machines are portable, lightweight, and easy to use. They are the only lifesaving solution for SCA victims. Spoken prompts and visual displays guide the layperson step by step through the lifesaving process of defibrillation. When administered within the first three to five minutes after SCA strikes, AED’s can significantly improve the rate of survival for SCA victims.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Heart disease and specifically SCA is the sudden and abrupt loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness caused by an electrical disturbance in the heart that disrupts the heart’s natural rhythm. The heart stops pumping oxygenated blood effectively to the brain and the rest of the body. If not treated by Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and an AED within minutes, it typically leads to death.

The research is overwhelming, and the studies are clear. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) victims who receive a shock from an AED within minutes of collapse are at a great advantage toward survival compared to those who do not.

Chain of Survival

The Chain of Survival is an action plan that provides rescue teams or bystanders with the steps necessary to help a person survive in the event of cardiac arrest. A clear understanding of the five key links in a chain of survival can reduce mortality.

1. Recognition of Cardiac Arrest and Activation of the Emergency Response System
2. Immediate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 
3. Rapid Defibrillation with AED
4. Basic and Advanced Emergency Medical Services 
5. Advanced Life Support and Post-Cardiac Arrest Care

How Much Do AEDs Cost?

The cost of portable defibrillators varies by brand, model, and features included. Purchasing a portable defibrillator is an important decision that should be done with careful consideration.  In order to save money and get the cheapest option, many people look for pre-owned or refurbished AED’s. However, at AED USA we strongly believe that with a life-saving medical device, you can’t beat a new device. We only sell brand new AED’s from all of the 6 major FDA-approved brands in the US.

Quick use of CPR & an AED Saves Lives

The research is overwhelming, and the studies are clear. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) victims who receive a shock from an AED within minutes of collapse are at a great advantage toward survival compared to those who do not. The following statistics are a small sampling of just how effective AEDs are in saving lives.

• Nearly 60% of all SCAs are bystander witnessed, according to a study done on the impact of AEDs in the community. If every bystander had access to and used an AED, 40,000 more lives a year in the United States could be saved (the equivalent of a cure for breast cancer).
• Studies show that when an AED is utilized by a bystander within the precious 10 minutes, before paramedics arrive, chances of survival nearly double.
• If a victim receives a shock from an AED within 3 minutes of SCA onset, survival rates increase to more than 80%.
• The American Heart Association estimates that about 1,700 lives a year in the United States are saved by bystanders using AEDs.
• Survival rates for those victims who receive a shock from an AED are 40% if administered by a layperson, 16% for a health care worker, and 13% for police indicating the importance of a quick response.
• In a landmark Japanese study, the number of AEDs available for public use was increased 10-fold from 2005-2007 (9,906 to 88,265) during which time public assisted defibrillation (PDA) increased 5-fold (1.2% to 6.2%).
• The same Japanese study revealed that rates of survival with good neurological outcomes after out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) more than doubled (31.6% vs. 14.4%) and that cerebral function at hospital discharge for those that received a timely bystander shock was good to moderate 38.5% of the time and increased to 46.6% of the time in non-elderly adults. By comparison, only 18.2% fair this well when their first shock is delivered by EMS personnel.
• The chance of bystander defibrillation was tripled (13.8% vs. 4.8%) and 30-day survival almost doubled (28.8% vs. 16.4%), when an AED was accessible at the time of an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest.

Studies show that beyond cost concerns, additional reasons that cause people to be reluctant to buying include: liability concern, belief an AED isn’t needed, fear of administering and lack of confidence, belief that EMS services were enough and proximity to a hospital. AEDs have come down in cost and sellers often have great deals. Sometimes grants can be given for AED purchases as well. Training can help anybody gain the confidence needed to use an AED, and the audio and video instruction accompanying these easy-to-use devices allow a child to use one successfully. With time being of the essence, EMS will not make it to a victim suffering from SCA, and the time it would take to transport a victim to the hospital is time that could be used to prevent brain damage or SCA death. All of these obstacles can be overcome. It’s a matter of awareness and knowledge. We are on a mission to improve this.

The Precious 10 Minute Rule

Did you know that if someone suffering from SCA is not able to breathe on their own that they only have 10 minutes to be revived before they suffer typically permanent brain damage? The period that elapses from when the SCA victim collapses and when an AED is administered is referred to as “the precious 10 minutes.” Every minute that passes for a victim in SCA, the chances of survival decrease by about 10%.

Should You Buy a Defibrillator for Your Home?

At-home defibrillators can be purchased online and stored at home for emergencies. Review the information below to help you determine if you should buy an at-home AED. The information below will help you decide if you need to buy a home-based defibrillator. At AED USA we feel that owning an AED for your home should be standard protocol for a healthy family and home. More SCA events occur in homes than in any other location.

What To Consider When Deciding Which AED Is For You

There are a few items to consider when deciding which AED is right for you and your organization. Storage of your AED’s and who will be using them to possibly save a life and their level of comfort and training in a stressful lifesaving situation are key

Preferably, the AED should be in a place where you and your family or individual in your organization will feel safe. If the device is being stored outdoors consider a water-tight storage cabinet.

If possible, mount the AED high enough so that individuals with limited mobility can reach it from either floor level or

Where will the AED be stored?

Most modern AED’s are very resistant to dust and moisture and can be stored in a carry case. This is measured by IP rating. The International Electromechanical Commission (IEC) established a system of rating electronic equipment for its resistance to ingress. The IEC, or International Electrotechnical Commission, seeks to promote cooperation among nations on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. The IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for Standards (ISO).

The IP rating normally has two (but may have three) numbers:

1. Protection from solid objects or materials
2. Protection from liquids (water)
3. Protection against mechanical impacts (commonly omitted, the third number is not a part of IEC 60529)

The HeartSine AED’s has the highest IP rating with a numeric rating system that is based on the level of protection from dust, water, and other contaminants. A higher IP rating means better resistance to a variety of hazards. Here are some of the best automated external defibrillators and their IP rating:

• HeartSine Samaritan 350P/360P/450P AED”s – IP56
• Cardiac Science G5 AED – IP55
• Defibtech Lifeline AED – IP54
• Defibtech Lifeline View AED – IP55
• Zoll AED Plus – IP55
• Philips HeartStart OnSite AED – IP21
• Physio-Control Lifepak CR2 AED – IP55

Fully Automatic or Semi-Automatic AED

The difference between fully automatic and semi-automatic AED’s is that the first type is designed to work all by itself without any human intervention. A fully automatic AED will announce to stand back and the device will provide a shock automatically if needed.

Semi-automatic defibrillators require the responder to press the shock button when instructed by the AED.

The key difference between fully automatic and semi-automatic AED’s, in theory at least, is the comfort level the responder has with using an AED. Typically the event has never happened before with the responder and they are not familiar with the stress and how they will react. Some AED administrators feel it is best to take one step of pressing the shock button out of the equation.

Pediatric & Adult Pads

Most AED’s come with adult electrode defibrillator pads and it the possibility of using the AED on a child, infant, or adult less than 55 pounds in weight, a pediatric set of pads should be purchased. Note that the Physio-Control CR2 which is their newest AED to market includes the ability to use the single included electrode pads for adult and pediatric or smaller SCA victims.

Game-Changing Technology

The technology in AED’s has improved exponentially in the last 5 years. One Game-Changer Technology was introduced by Physio-Control with their CR2 AED. The CR2 is easy to use and the only AED that allows CPR compressions during heart rhythm analysis. The ability to keep the CPR hands on the body performing compressions means more time to keep oxygen flowing to the brain and body.

Shop by brand

AED USA sells and supports all 6 FDA-approved brands in the US.

• Physio-Control
• HeartSine
• Cardiac Science
• Defibtech
• Philips
• ZOLL

People Also Ask the Following Questions:

How much do Portable defibrillators cost?

AED equipment and AED defibrillators have come down in price in the last few years. With discounts, you can purchase a brand new state-of-the-art AED for less than $1000 if you time your purchase during a sale. The range of new AED’s is from $990 to $1990 on average.

What is the best portable defibrillator?

That is a hard question because all 6 FDA-approved brands in the US make exceptional AED’s. HeartSine, Philips, Zoll, Physio-Control, Defibtech, and Cardiac Science make great life-saving devices.

Should an AED be used before performing CPR?

If a patient is not breathing, stunned or conscious, and responsive, chest compressions should be performed. If an AED is available and the victim has an abnormal heart rhythm that’s causing blood to stop flowing to the body or brain, applying it as soon as possible will increase their chances of survival.