How to choose the correct AED
In the UK, more than 30,000 people fall victim to cardiac arrests outside of hospital each year. This means that these incidents occur at home, workplaces and other public locations such as shopping centres.
Just one in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Studies show that instant CPR and defibrillation significantly increase the chances of survival, making an on-site automated external defibrillator (AED) a must.
But which one do you choose for your workplace? Health and safety platforms host a wide selection of AEDs. Here, we explore the core differences and key features of AEDs so that you can make an informed decision and get the one that works best for your setup.
What is an AED?
An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is a life-saving first aid device. It reads heart rhythms and delivers an electric shock to correct irregular heart rates. This electric shock is known as defibrillation.
It’s easy to use this innovative technology. Although AEDs are not legally required, having one in the workplace can save someone’s life.
Semi vs fully automatic AED
A semi-automatic AED monitors heart rate, and, if necessary, a person presses a button to deliver an electric shock. This type needs human intervention and there’s always the risk that the defibrillation won’t be delivered in time.
Fully automatic AEDs, on the other hand, automatically defibrillate a patient after monitoring the heart rhythm. Apart from applying the necessary pads, the machine doesn’t need an operator. It simply instructs bystanders to stand clear and delivers the shock, taking human hesitation out of the equation.
Although not apparent, a fully automatic AED isn’t always the best choice. You can use a semi-automatic AED when you have well-trained first aiders.
It’s also useful in noisy environments, such as warehouses, where the instructions of the fully automatic AED can’t be heard. Remember, you get models that feature both modes to cover all the bases.
AED use: adults, children, or both
CPR in children and adults differs slightly. The same goes for defibrillation with an AED where pad size and shock strength are important. You don’t have to buy separate AEDs for children and adults if your environment, such as a retail outlet, hosts a mix of the two.
There are models that use the same electrode pads for all ages and just have a mode selection switch to distinguish between adults and children. With other models, you’ll need to get different size pads.
Again, your environment determines what you need in this case. Offshore operations where no children are present don’t have to cater for them. Remember, pads are consumables and only last for a limited time, even when sitting on a shelf.
IP ratings
Your physical environment is related to your choice of AED and dictates the degree of ingress protection (IP) needed. Different IP ratings offer different levels of protection.
IP ratings have two numbers – the first, between 0 and 6, is for solids, and the last, between 0 and 8, is for liquids. Higher numbers indicate higher levels of protection. An X instead of a number lets you know that a device wasn’t tested for that specific category.
For example, an IP20 rating is touch-proof to help prevent electric shocks, whereas an IP68 rating makes a unit completely dust-tight and waterproof. So, a busy shipyard with contamination and water risks would need high IP to safeguard the equipment and keep it in working order.
Size and weight
In some work setups, such as search and rescue operations and big warehouses, AEDs need to be transportable. The size and weight of your choice play a role in how easy it is to carry and take the unit with you.
CPR coaching
You’ll come across AED models with integrated CPR coaching functions. These ‘talk’ a first-aider through the CPR steps or feature flashing indicators to help keep time with chest compressions. Voice prompts include guidance on the depth, recoil and speed of compressions. This is a useful tool for people who only apply first aid in rare instances.
Battery standby life and replacement costs
An AED battery with a long shelf life saves money and eliminates the risk of a machine with low battery when it’s needed for an emergency.
Electrode pad shelf life and replacement costs
Electrode pads are single-use items. This means that once you’ve used a set on a person, you need to replace them. People often forget that these consumables also have a shelf life and expire after a time. So, factoring in these costs plays a part in your AED choice.
Safety Signs and Extras
It is recommended best practice to position AED signs in suitable locations around your premises so your AED can be located quickly in the event of an emergency. Signs will help navigate people to your AED and clearly highlight its location.