Things to Consider When Purchasing an AED
An Automated External Defibrillator, or AED, is a critical piece
of lifesaving equipment for schools, public buildings, offices,
and even residences. Consider purchasing an AED if you are
concerned about the health and safety of individuals in your
place of business or at home. These life saving devices are
considered to be easier to utilize and more effective than CPR
in helping heart attack victims. Countless lives have been saved
through an electrical charge to the heart delivered by simply
pressing a button. If you are interested in purchasing an AED,
there are several items to consider in order to ensure you
purchase a defibrillator that best fits your specific needs.
Though most AEDs will never need to be used, you'll want to be
sure that you have an effective and well maintained device on
hand in case an emergency ever does happen. According to the
informative Web site Start A Heart,
automated external defibrillators are lightweight, portable
devices that can jumpstart a victim's heart by using an
electrical pulse called a biphasic shock. Guiding the rescuer
with a combination of simple and clear voice, text and graphical
instructions, AEDs do nearly all of the work, enabling
practically anyone save a life!
As with any piece of technology, you are first encouraged to
review the most common models. There are several companies that
market high quality Automated External Defibrillators, including
Phillips, Medtronic, and Heartsine. Each of these companies
offers similar easy-to-use and highly effective AEDs, though
with slight variations. Most are portable and long lasting and
offer simple, clear voice instructions on how to restart a
heart. The next thing to consider when purchasing an AED is to
look to the purpose of your purchase. Some simple AEDs are meant
to be stored away until their call duty, while more
sophisticated devices are deployed frequently by rescue
professionals. If you are looking for an AED for a school
campus, consider purchasing a device that is specifically made
for the pediatric use. For example, the Phillips HeartStart
comes in different models for children and adults. This is a
critical distinction since children may not be able to handle
the same impact of a shock to the heart that a grown man or
woman can sustain. If you are looking for a device that can
safely shock both children and adults, consider finding a
machine that has an adaptable setting to accommodate all ages
and sizes. Many individuals are overly concerned regarding the
size of the Automated External Defibrillator. Modern AEDs are
very small and portable, so those huge, hulking models commonly
found in operating rooms or emergency rooms will not take up
valuable space and can be easily transported to a nearby
location. Also, this size allows the price to be a great deal
more affordable than the monsters found in hospitals or doctors
offices. Quality AEDs start at about $1,200, though refurbished
models can be found for under $1,000.
Regardless or your reasons for purchasing an Automated External
Defibrillator, consider doing so today. Your purchase could
literally save a life and should not be delayed by any means. If
necessary, consider a fundraiser to raise the necessary fees
when purchasing an AED for a school, office, or public place. An
AED at your fingertips can literally make the difference between
life and death when it comes to dealing with heart related
emergencies.