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. |
