Editor
Ready to implement an AED program in your workplace? Zoll Medical offers the following 10 tips in a guest post.
1. VALUE
Look beyond the price tag. Less-expensive AEDs may require more frequent maintenance and replacement of consumables, which increases costs over the life of the AED. Also, ensure that the AED offers intuitive, comprehensive support for rescuers.
2. FEEDBACK
Best-in-class AEDs guide rescuers to deliver chest compressions that meet recognised guidelines
and recommendations. Studies show that a victim of cardiac arrest is more than twice as likely to survive when rescued with a defibrillator equipped with real-time CPR feedback.1 Understanding CPR quality, including how deep and how fast CPR compressions should be, is a key part of AED/ CPR training.
3. DURABILITY
Cardiac arrest doesn’t always happen indoors or in a controlled environment, so be sure AEDs are dust- and water-resistant, durable, and able to withstand temperature fluctuations and harsh environments.
4. RESCUER SUPPORT
To support rescuers with or without training, look for AEDs that provide feedback including easy-to- understand voice and text prompts, and graphics to guide rescuers in performing high-quality CPR throughout the rescue.
5. READINESS
Automatic self-testing of internal circuitry, battery, and pads ensures that your AED will be ready at a moment’s notice. ZOLL® AEDs feature highly visible readiness indicators, perform regular, comprehensive self-tests, and WiFi functionality for reporting status updates, enabling easy management of large fleets of AEDs.
6. PAD LIFE
Electrode pads adhere directly to an SCA victim’s chest and are critical to delivering a shock to the heart. Most pads expire and require replacement every 18-30 months; ZOLL pads can last up to
5 years.
7. BATTERY LIFE
Every AED is powered by a battery, and most batteries need to be replaced every 2 to 5 years; ZOLL batteries last from 4 to 5 years in standby mode. That means fewer replacements, less maintenance, and a low total cost of ownership.
8. SEMI-AUTOMATIC VS. AUTOMATIC SHOCK DELIVERY
An AED with automatic shock capability analyses a victim’s heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock automatically if needed (after advising rescuers to stand clear). A semi-automatic AED instructs rescuers to press a button to deliver a shock at the right moment. ZOLL offers AEDs with both semi- and fully automatic capabilities.
9. PAEDIATRIC USE
AEDs with paediatric pads automatically adjust the amount of energy used to defibrillate younger victims. If you work in a school, nursery, or other workplace where children under the age of eight are present, consider investing in an AED with paediatric capability.
10. WARRANTY
Be sure to check the terms of each AED’s warranty. ZOLL AEDs offer warranty protection up to 8 years, which can help to ensure a state of readiness and save money over the lifetime of the device.
Ready to outfit your workplace with AEDs? Please give us a call at 777-5483 or write to CONTACT@LHMEDS.COM today!
