Safety of Public Defibrillators or AEDs

Some of the biggest misperceptions about AEDs (defibrillators) are concerning their safety.  Some are under the incorrect assumption that an AED can do harm or that if utilized on someone who is not in need of defibrillation they can accidently be shocked.  In fact, all AEDs have very advanced technology which ensures this simply can’t happen.

These intelligent devices actually utilize an advanced algorithm which is a sophisticated mathematical process of analyzing information.  In the case of an AED’s algorithm, it is interpreting the electrical signals from the patient’s heart via the electrode pads when they are placed on the patient’s chest.  Once it interprets the heart rhythm it determines whether it’s a life-threatening arrhythmia or not. If indeed the AED detects a lethal arrhythmia such as ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) then defibrillation therapy is absolutely essential.   If the AED determines that it’s not a shockable rhythm an AED cannot deliver a shock even if the rescuer were to press the shock button. In short a rescuer simply can’t make such a mistake.

Without these trusted safety features AEDs could not be utilized for public use and instead they’d be limited to first responders or healthcare providers.  Look around and it’s clear that is certainly not the case.  Because of the reliability of the technology AEDs have been placed in a vast number public places, communities, airports, gyms, workplaces, schools, universities, government settings, supermarkets, restaurants and more.

This prompts the important question as to whether you should invest in AEDs for your small business or growing company.  The key is to be proactive rather than hope that one of the Nation’s one thousand daily sudden cardiac arrest deaths doesn’t occur at your place of business or to one of your customers or employees.  As you weigh the decision do keep in mind that average price of defibrillators is now more affordable than ever at about $1500 each.  And CPR/AED training & certification can be purchased for just about $75 per attendee.

AED One-Stop Shop is the perfect consultant for companies deliberating important decisions such as these.  We utilize a consultative approach and we are an authority on the topic.  We can share more on the safety of AEDs as well as liability, product differences, training and much more to help you create a “heart safe” environment.  Contact us now:  AED One-Stop Shop and become well informed about this topic of life-protecting AEDs.