{"id":1831,"date":"2022-02-04T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-04T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cos.p10.sol1.net\/uncategorized\/things-to-consider-when-buying-a-defibrillator-aed-a-buyers-guide\/"},"modified":"2024-05-06T04:05:15","modified_gmt":"2024-05-06T04:05:15","slug":"buying-a-defibrillator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/cospedia\/buying-a-defibrillator","title":{"rendered":"Things to Consider when Buying a Defibrillator (AED) \u2013 A Buyers Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any moment, and it generally comes without warning. Every minute counts, especially in life-threatening <\/span>cases of <\/span>ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest<\/span>, with the chance<\/span> of survival <\/span>increasing<\/span> to more than 70 percent if a defibrillator is readily accessible.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of Australia\u2019s largest <\/span>and most pressing <\/span>health <\/span>risks, <\/span>it accounts for one in four of all deaths, claiming the life of one person every 12 minutes. According to\u00a0Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute researcher and cardiologist\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Liz Paratz<\/span><\/span>, over 20,000 Australians suffer from sudden cardiac arrest each year, with little or no warning, and only 10 percent survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In most of the Australian states, the median response time for ambulances is about 8-9 minutes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

By installing an <\/span><\/span>Automated external defibrillator<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (AED) <\/span><\/span>in your business, school, or home <\/span>you <\/span>are taking the right steps toward<\/span> ensuring <\/span>the health and safety of everyone in the area in the <\/span>event of an emergency. <\/span>Defibrillators save lives<\/span> and are<\/span> the most important instrument for <\/span>improving<\/span> the chances of a victim’s survival and are <\/span>specifically<\/span> designed for this critical <\/span>moment, so buying a\u00a0defibrillator might just be the most important purchase you ever make.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>

With so many alternatives on the market, choosing the <\/span>right<\/span> <\/span>Automated external defibrillator (AED)<\/span> for your needs<\/span> <\/span>can be<\/span> a difficult task, that is why we’ve put together some helpful tips to guide you in making that<\/span> potentially<\/span> life-saving purchase.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Semi or fully automatic<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Before buying a defibrillator, it\u2019s critical to examine the surrounding environment as well as the individual’s needs. As you may require choosing between an automated and a semi-automatic defibrillator. Fully automated AEDs are configured to detect the patient\u2019s cardiac rhythm and deliver shock without the user’s intervention. This means no one needs to push a button; the AED will simply administer a shock by itself. Semi-automatic AEDs require someone to press a button to deliver the shock. It needs to be used by the responder to administer the shock when someone is in cardiac arrest, which can cause potential delays in the treatment. Both AEDs are equally effective.<\/span><\/p>

AEDs for adults versus paediatric<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Another factor to consider when buying a\u00a0defibrillator<\/span><\/span> is whether an adult or <\/span>paediatric electrode unit<\/b><\/span><\/a> is required. Adult defibrillation shock levels differ from paediatric defibrillation shock levels. Some organisations that work with children as well as their parents, might consider investing in a paediatric-specific unit. However, as there are higher chances for an adult to experience cardiac arrest, an adult-specific AED unit may be required. Some defibrillators come with separate paediatric pads that lower the energy output and are intended for children aged 1 to 8. Other defibrillators allow the user to use a single pair of pads by simply switching it to child mode.<\/span><\/p>

Ease of use<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Emergency situations can be quite stressful and chaotic which is why it’s critical to buy a\u00a0defibrillator<\/span><\/span> that comes with clear instructions and is easy to use. While all AED types are similar, there are some minor differences, in terms of operation and functionality. Look for features such as simple voice or visual instructions to guide rescuers through the entire CPR process, multiple languages, integrated <\/span>Wi-Fi connectivity<\/b><\/span><\/a>, automated features, and lastly status indicator to make sure the device is rescue-ready for use in an emergency.<\/span><\/p>

Maintenance<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

To keep your AED in excellent operating order, maintenance should be as simple as possible. Look for self-monitoring equipment that can notify you if they require service, repairs, or software updates. Look through the user manual guide to see how complex the maintenance for different units is. Always choose a defibrillator from a reputable brand that provides convenient maintenance coverage.<\/span><\/p>

Read the warranty<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Different manufacturers provide different warranties that cover certain parts and are only valid under specific conditions. When buying a defibrillator make sure you choose one with a warranty that suits your needs and states clearly what it does and does not cover, under what circumstances, and for what length of time.<\/span><\/p>

Look for IP rating<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

An IP (International Protection) rating is one of the terms that you’ll come across while looking for an AED in Australia. Every AED has an IP rating that categorises it in terms of protection based on how effectively it is secured against moisture, dust, and other incursions that can compromise its performance. For indoor AEDs lower IP ratings are enough (such as in schools, businesses, daycare centres, and residential), whereas outdoor or multi-environment AEDs require higher IP ratings (like campgrounds, public swimming pools, construction sites, and in-remote outdoor locations).<\/span><\/p>

Extra accessories<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

An AED ideally comes with electrode pads and a <\/span>battery<\/b><\/span><\/a> <\/b>to ensure that you are always prepared to handle any emergency. When\u00a0buying a defibrillator check to see if there is a protective case or a mounting station or <\/span>wall<\/strong> bracket<\/b><\/span><\/a>\/cabinet included in the package. Is there only one set of pads supplied, or do you get extras? Make sure to get paediatric pads, if required. As child-friendly AED\u2019s have different electrode pads and shock levels. Keep an \u2018<\/span>AED Premium Prep Kit<\/b><\/span><\/a>,’<\/span> with defibrillator which includes a face shield or pocket mask, gloves, tuff cut scissors, surgical razor, and a towel.<\/span><\/p>

Weight and storage<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>

Many AED defibrillators are portable, weighing less than 2.2 kilograms, and are compact enough to store wherever necessary. Defibrillators should be kept in an easily accessible and visible location with a sign so they can be used promptly in an emergency.<\/span><\/p>

Training options<\/span><\/b><\/h3>

Employees at businesses and schools should be given at least basic instructions to help them feel more confident if a defibrillator is to be used in an emergency. It is important to make sure your team is educated and trained on how to use a certain AED model. Each AED kit comes with an instruction manual providing clear instructions in written and pictorial form that outlines how to use it safely and effectively. Regular training sessions can help improve staff responsiveness in the event of a cardiac event on-site.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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With so many alternatives on the market, choosing the right Automated external defibrillator (AED) for your needs can be a difficult task, that is why we\u2019ve put together some helpful tips to guide you in making that potentially life-saving purchase.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27129,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,31],"tags":[593,1581,595,897,597,598,602,1529,603,604,190],"class_list":["post-1831","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cospedia","category-health-wellbeing","tag-aed","tag-aed-in-workplace","tag-automated-external-defibrillator","tag-defib-in-the-workplace","tag-defibrillators","tag-defibs","tag-portable-defibrillator","tag-safety-training","tag-sudden-cardiac-arrest","tag-survival-from-cardiac-arrest","tag-workplace-health-and-safety"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1831","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1831"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1831\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41169,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1831\/revisions\/41169"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1831"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cos.net.au\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}