Once people learn that AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are easy-to-use, straightforward, safe and not harmful they often ask “why aren’t AEDs in restaurants?” Well, it’s a fantastic question!
An AED is a life-saving device designed for a non-medical professional to save a life, in fact they are very often used by ordinary people. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. If this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs and death usually follows if it’s not treated within minutes. An AED (as you’ve likely seen in public places) uses voice and visual prompts to guide the responder through the steps of saving a life. Once the electrode pads are placed on the victim’s chest it analyzes the heart rhythm and determines if a defibrillation shock is needed. If the victim is not experiencing a heart arrhythmia the AED cannot deliver a shock.
Beyond the ease-of-use and safety of AEDs it’s interesting too that these life-saving devices have become much more affordable. Once over $2K or $3K each, AEDs can be found from popular online vendors like PurchaseAEDs.com for less than $1,200. Most consider this price point to be a very small price to potentially protect and save a life.
There are over 600,000 restaurants in the United States and each one is at risk for a Sudden Cardiac Arrest to occur to a patron, employee, or other visitor on a given day. Some restaurant owners have recognized this important safety initiative and invested in life-saving devices. The vast majority of U.S. restaurants have not yet taken the step forward and it’s certainly puzzling why more of the large fast food chains or Nationwide bar & grills haven’t deployed. Not only would it be very practical to protect lives from the Nation’s biggest killer (SCA) but it would also send a strong message to employees and patrons that they care a lot about workplace & public safety.
To learn more about Automated External Defibrillators visit AED One-Stop Shop or call 855-677-AEDs. Experts at AED One-Stop Shop can consult with any restaurants or retail facilities seeking to protect lives.
Category Archives: AED Industry
AED Companies – AED One-Stop Shop
The Reliability of an AED
When one purchases AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) they typically do so in hopes these life-saving devices are never needed. They demonstrate proactive thinking and a priority on making the workplace safe. When that dreaded moment happens and someone drops to what appears to be sudden cardiac arrest, how does one know the AED will work and it will function as it’s supposed to? In other words, what good is a life-protecting defibrillator if it’s not ready when it’s needed most?
It’s important to know that AED manufacturers have certainly anticipated this need for reliability in the design of their products. All public defibrillators perform self-testing to help detect and diagnose any issues with the device prior to the moment it is needed for a rescue. AEDs awake periodically to perform a self-test process, it does this automatically on a scheduled-basis without any user-intervention required. These self-tests typically check battery strength, pad connectivity, pad integrity, software, internal components and hardware, and more. Be aware that some AEDs perform these tests more or less frequently ranging from daily to weekly. Furthermore some AEDs do more robust and comprehensive testing than others. These self-testing protocols are important and should be considered in the selection process.
If a problem is detected in the AED it sounds an audible chirp and displays a visual indicator of some type. These audible and visual clues that the device is problematic and perhaps not rescue-ready vary from brand to brand. For most warnings the AED will describe the problem with voice and or text prompts that might alert that “battery is low” or “replace pads” or “service required.”
At AED One-Stop Shop we believe product reliability should be considered as part of the selection process. We also recommend an AED Program Management Solution which includes tracking software and email reminders to check your AEDs. By assigning an internal point of contact to visual check the AED each month an organization can lessen the risk that an AED is not ready when needed. Do chose an AED with good reliability and consider Program Management to improve your organizations overall readiness. Visit us at AED One-Stop Shop, call us at 855-677-AEDS, or email us at Sales@AEDOneStopShop.com to discuss your AED needs today.
Emergency Management & AED Defibrillators
AED One-Stop Shop is proud to work with a large number of Emergency Management agencies across the United States. Emergency Management is the creation of plans through which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters. It is important to note that Disaster management does not avert or eliminate the threats, instead it focuses on creating plans to decrease the impact of disasters. Failure to create a plan could lead to damage to assets, human mortality, and lost revenue. It’s estimated that in the United States about 60% of businesses do not have emergency management plans.
The product category of Automated External Defibrillators or AEDs is one that is incorporated into such plans for general preparedness. The adoption of these most affordable life-saving devices is driven in part by the alarming statistics that about 1,000 Americans die each day by falling victim to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
Emergency Managers in effort to protect lives within communities and workplaces design programs which make AEDs available. The very best AED programs incorporate the right type and quantity of public defibrillators which are strategically placed to yield response times of less than 3 minutes. Furthermore they incorporate ample training so that employees are knowledgeable, confident and unintimidated by their use. Not to be overlooked is Program Management, this term refers to a comprehensive system which includes protocols, tracking, auditing and direction and oversight from a medical physician.
AED One-Stop Shop Our Website has the answers for Emergency Managers and alike. We utilize an extremely consultative approach in which we ensure that all facets of an AED program are implemented. Following a detailed needs analysis (completed at no charge to the customer) we recommend the most appropriate product for their specific needs. We offer 5 leading brands, over 20 AED models, all needed accessories like wall cabinets and child pads and the services which accompany the life-protecting devices.
Call 855-677-2337 or email Sales@AEDOneStopShop.com to discuss your situation and to begin weighing the facts for a public defibrillator program.
Automatic Shock Delivery and AEDs
As AED (Automated External Defibrillator) manufacturers strive to improve general usability of Public Defibrillators some have developed “Automatic” type devices. The “Auto” shock delivery feature describes devices which delivers a shock without the need to push a shock button. Semi-Automatic devices require the rescuer to push a shock button to deliver therapy.
The general logic behind such a feature is the thought that a responder might pause or delay in pushing a shock button over the fear that the device might harm someone, lack of confidence or perhaps they are worried about liability. An “Auto” AED saves the responder from making such a decision, it arms by itself, warns all to stand back, and then delivers a shock to the victim.
Some (especially professional responders) feel strongly that an AED should not deliver therapy in such a way and the rescuer should ensure no one is touching the patient before they push the shock button. This type of training is engrained in them and thus they are more apt to favor Semi-Automatic AEDs.
At AED One-Stop Shop (visit our site here) we don’t believe that one type fits all applications, needs, or situations. There is certainly a place for both Public Defibrillator types in the marketplace. Some manufacturers feature separate configurations of each AED model to fit the customer’s preference for shock button or no shock button. As the industry’s premier “Consultative” AED retailer we educate our customers on all facets of a well-designed AED program. We certainly walk our customers through the general logic to consider as well as pros and cons of Automatic and Semi-Automatic defibrillators.
Typical AED shoppers ask bright questions, they are detail oriented, they are thoughtful and they realize that lives are at stake an AED program. The debate over shock button or no shock button is an interesting one and ultimately it’s about find the right fit for the application. Call 855-677-2337 or email Sales@AEDOneStopShop.com to speak with a professional on this topic and to identify the right AED for your workplace, school or community.
AED Reviews – What’s the Best AED / Public Defibrillator?
When one makes the wise and savvy decision to invest in life-saving AEDs or Automated External Defibrillators, they must decide upon which AED type to buy. So what is the best public defibrillator or AED? The answer cannot be found on a chart which compares product features. Nor can it be found by assessing customer or third party product reviews. The reason is that an AED is a life-saving device and a customer should aim to match the right AED device to their specific need or application. Here are a few general tips:
Look beyond price alone. Most of us manage to a budget and indeed saving money is important. Customers are wise to factor in the AED initial price and the cost of ownership of items like batteries, pads, training and program management. But, because an AED is intended to protect human life the features of a public defibrillator can make the difference between life and death of a loved one or colleague. Generally, technology should trump price and remember this is not a commodity buy.
Be conscious of the environment. Will the AED be kept indoors or outdoors? Will the device be stored in a cabinet and seldom moved or will it be in an application which requires some ruggedness or durability? Is there risk of other tough conditions like heat, cold, moisture or dust? If so, consider a device with a high IP rating or other attributes geared around reliability.
Think about a likely rescue scenario. Is it likely to be a loud, chaotic situation? Could a sudden cardiac arrest occur in a crowded, noisy environment? Are there likely to be loud vehicles or machinery close by? If so, an AED with above average visual prompts would be helpful to complement the voice prompts.
What is the skill level of the likely rescuers? Will this purchase be to equip skilled professional rescuers, first responder, a CPR trained response team or lay-rescuers or general public. Consider the population who are likely to grab and utilize the life-saving devices. Some AEDs have better ease-of-use features which might include: visual prompts, CPR prompts, real-time CPR coaching, fully-automatic shock delivery, intuitive prompts, video screens, texts screens, pediatric pads, infant keys and more. Some devices are better suited to the public while others are better suited to professionals.
AED One-Stop Shop is a consultative-oriented AED supplier. We specialize in helping customers decide upon AED brand, AED model, and best configuration of accessories. We are the “One-Stop Shop” because we choose from over 20 AED models and pair devices with CPR/AED training and Program Management for full compliance with the laws. Contact us via email to: Sales@AEDOneStopShop.com at or call us toll free at 855-677-2337. Here’s our full site: AEDOneStopShop.com. By the way our expert-level consultation is free, offered as a value-add to you.
New HeartSine Samaritan PAD 450P Now Available in U.S.
AED One-Stop Shop, as an authorized U.S. HeartSine distributor, is proud to announce the launch and availability of the new HeartSine Samaritan PAD 450P. This new AED / defibrillator model extends upon the functionality offered by the very popular 350P model.
The HeartSine Samaritan PAD 450P introduces a revolutionary technology called CPR Rate Advisor which uses real time visual and audible prompts to guide rescuers through the delivery of good CPR compressions without additional sensors. With its revolutionary technology HeartSine’s proprietary CPR Rate Advisor uses only the defibrillator electrodes to detect changes in patient impedance, in real time, requiring no extra sensors or devices commonly used by other AEDs to provide CPR feedback. When a patient collapses and a rescuer performs CPR, the compressions applied by the rescuer cause the patient’s chest to change shape. This change in shape results in an increase in the patient’s chest impedance, or electrical resistance. The HeartSine technology captures this change in an ICG (impedance cardiography) waveform which it uses to count the number of compressions a rescuer administers. CPR Rate Advisor determines the compression rate by Real-Time CPR Rate Feedback counting deflections in the ICG waveform and advises the rescuer to “Push faster” if the compression rate below the AHA and ERC guidelines of 100-120 cpm. Furthermore it prompts to “Push slower” if appropriate or “Begin CPR” if compressions have not been started or have stalled for any reason.
In short, this advanced technology helps to ensure great CPR is delivered. The new 450P couples these new advancements with all the wonderful features that have made the 350P a popular choice for workplaces, corporations and government all of the United States. HeartSine PAD AEDs are small, light and portable and they pack many ease-of-use features into a very compact package.
AED One-Stop Shop is be among the first in the Nation to offer the HeartSine Samaritan 450P to U.S. customers. Give us a call at 855-677-AEDs to discuss the merit of this new device. We believe this will be a nice complement to existing HeartSine defibrillator deployments and for those seeking life-protecting technology for the first time. Email AED One-Stop Shop for a quote on this wonderful new device.
AEDs and Medical Direction
We commonly get questions about the laws regarding AEDs and what needs to be done to ensure the deployment of life-saving AEDs meet all requirements. Though topics like Medical Direction, AED Program Management, and EMS Registration aren’t the easiest to understand, the solutions that AED One-Stop Shop offer are comprehensive and they make compliance quite simple.
All States have slightly different guidelines when it comes to Automated External Defibrillators and their Good Samaritan Laws have varying verbiage. But in general these are the categories that are typically required:
- Medical Direction or Medical Oversight from a licensed Physician
- Registration of AEDs with the appropriate EMS agency or agencies
- Documented AED protocol or policy
- Integration of CPR/AED training and certification
- Ongoing maintenance and audits of AED devices which is documented
- Notification of use when an AED is utilized in a save attempt
As the name AED One-Stop Shop suggests we offer all facets of an AED program including: AED devices, batteries, pads, accessories, CPR training, and yes a Program Management Solution which checks all of the required or recommended boxes above.
The important thing to grasp about Program Management and laws surrounding AEDs is that AEDs are life-saving devices. AEDs are considered Class III medical devices and this product category is closely regulated by the FDA. An AED program should be “well designed” and the requirements that are outlined above are intended to ensure that organizations implement programs which are adequately safe for the public.
AED One-Stop Shop offers such solutions as En-Pro PlusTrac, StatPADS Medical Direction, and Arch by Annuvia. These companies are primarily or solely focused on keeping customer compliant with the laws. They are considered the experts in the industry and their solutions are not just intended to mitigate risk, their software and processes make managing many AEDs simpler. The enterprise software is user-friendly, it send email reminders, it tracks devices and accessories and results from equipment audits. Those that use spreadsheets still or even less will be amazed to see what they’re missing.
To learn about AED One-Stop Shop “AED Program Management” contact one of our specialist right now. Email us Sales@AEDOneStopShop.com for a digital brochure and a detailed quote or call 855-677-2337 with any questions.
ZOLL AED Plus and Visual Prompting
The ZOLL AED Plus has enjoyed enormous success in the U.S. and these life-saving devices have been placed in schools, communities and workplaces. ZOLL automated external defibrillators have some key functions that contribute to their popularity particularly in the area of ease-of-use. Customers that seek public defibrillators often rank simplicity the number one consideration for their selection.
The ZOLL AED Plus ranks high in the category of ease because it pairs great voice prompts with some of the industry’s best visual prompts. Consider the scene where someone has suddenly dropped and likely is in sudden cardiac arrest, this scene is loud and chaotic. Without outstanding visual prompts or indicators a responder who can’t hear the voice prompts can become lost in the rescue. ZOLL AEDs have a clear text screen which displays commands, length of rescue and number of shocks delivered. Furthermore there are diagrams while highlight the following steps:
- Check for responsiveness
- Call 911
- Place pads on the chest
- Stand back from the patient
- Begin delivering CPR
Each visual diagram have a light or indicator which is illuminated to demonstrate the current command. These visual indicators are thoughtful additions to the device’s design and overall usability. A sudden cardiac arrest can be noisy in any public setting and thus these features are a huge plus for first responders like fire departments, ems, and law enforcement.
ZOLL AEDs also boast real time CPR coaching which prompt rescuers to deliver CPR compressions harder or lighter and fast or slower. These prompts are displayed as commands on the test screen and furthermore compression depth is measured and displayed on the right side of the screen. These features are unique to ZOLL and add considerably to ease-of-use.
If you are seeking to protect lives at your organization do consider ZOLL and do consider buying them from AED One-Stop Shop. Check our site ZOLL from AED One-Stop Shop at or call us at 855-677-2337.
CPR Coaching Prompts and Public Defibrillators
Public Defibrillators are becoming more and more common in communities, gyms, workplaces and anywhere that people gather. AEDs or Automated External Defibrillators are an integral part of Chain of Survival.
The Chain of Survival includes the following steps:
- Early access to get help
- Early CPR to buy time
- Early defibrillation to restart the heart
- Early ALCS to stabilize
It’s all about time to give the sudden cardiac victim the best chance of survival. If a defibrillation shock can be delivered in 2 minutes or less the patient has approximately an 80% chance of survival. AED manufacturers are working hard to improve prompts to help rescuers improve the speed it takes to power up the device, place electrodes on the chest and deliver a shock.
Furthermore, AEDs now give rescuers prompts to not only begin CPR but many times now coach rescuers in the rate and even depth of compressions. AEDs use voice and visual prompts and the metronome is certainly a wonderful tool. It’s common for lay rescuers to not push fast enough nor deep enough on the chest. ZOLL devices have a proprietary technology called Real CPR Help which gives real time feedback. Philips recently added a technology called QCPR for their innovative HeartStart FR3 Professional device. HeartSine AEDs for public assess have a very straightforward and easy to follow metronome. While Defibtech uses voice prompts in tandem with an amazing display screen to demonstrate and coach CPR with their VIEW AED.
We share these important features to help illustrate that purchasing AEDs is not the same a purchasing a commodity. These are life-saving devices and these features and how the commands are carried out could have a dramatic impact as to whether the victim survives. AED One-Stop Shop consults with our customers and prospects and we sort through the sometimes confusing product differences to select the right device. mailto:Sales@AEDOneStopShop.com or call 855-677-AEDs for free expert help from this National trusted provider of public-type defibrillators. Visit http://www.AEDOneStopShop.com.