Defibrillator Types: Choosing The Best AED or Defibrillator For Your Work Environment

Keeping staff and members of the public safe is a primary concern for most businesses, and whilst most companies have a robust health and safety policy in place, not everyone currently provides access to an AED or defibrillator in case of cardiac emergencies. 

Why is it so important?

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death across the world. According to a report from the AHA (American Heart Association), over 356,000 OHCA (Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests) occur every year in the US. Of these, 18.8% occur in a public setting, and 10,000 of these occur in a work environment.

Placing an AED (automated external defibrillators) in your workplace, along with having a proper management system for the training of employees on how to use these devices, could be the difference between life and death in the event of a cardiac emergency in your workplace. 

AHA report that almost 90% of patients die before they receive an intensive medical intervention or reach the hospital.  However, it is also found that immediate emergency care provided to the patient via an AED within 5 to 7 minutes of the occurrence of the event could improve the survival rate dramatically. 

It is also estimated that using a defibrillator on a patient with a cardiac arrest could increase his or her chances of survival by nearly 60 percent. On the other hand, for every minute that is lost due to the lack of immediate medical care such as defibrillation or CPR, the patient’s survival chances reduce by about 10 percent. 

This highlights the critical importance of having the best defibrillator available to hand at workplaces, schools, and other public environments. 

In most instances, local emergency medical services can not respond quickly enough to deliver critical care in the required time, making it even more important for businesses to ensure there is easy access to well managed AEDs on the premises to ensure optimum employee and public safety and health

The benefits of having an AED or defibrillator for your workplace 

Increases the chances of survival 

As stated earlier, AEDs and defibrillators substantially increase the chances of survival of the patients with cardiac arrest. AEDs are designed to deliver life-saving electric shocks, which help to stimulate the heart thus restoring the heartbeats. This mechanism can often be the difference between life and death for the patient. 

Faster response to emergencies 

All employers should consider installing AEDs in their work environment to reduce the risk of mortality due to cardiac arrest, enabling employees and visitors to receive immediate treatment in the event of cardiac emergencies. 

Whilst immediate treatment such as CPR can prolong the life of the patients, defibrillation offers a far superior and more effective way to restore the heart rhythm in an emergency. 

All workplaces, particularly those that potentially expose their employees to electrocution, should consider installing AEDs on the premises to minimize the dangers. 

Moreover, having an AED at the premises, and training the employees about how to use them correctly ensures that your workplace can respond rapidly, often before emergency services arrive, saving critical time and vastly improving the chances of survival.

Promotes a safe workplace 

Installing an AED in the workplace helps reinforce your company Health and Safety Policy and plays a huge role in promoting a safe working culture. By actively promoting a safe working environment, and ensuring the health and wellbeing of employees and visitors is constantly maintained, you will portray a positive and supportive working environment, which is committed to the security and reassurance of its employees, helping facilitate higher employee satisfaction, improved productivity and efficiency of staff and improved employee retention. 

Additionally, by registering your AED as a community defibrillator, you can help improve your CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) commitment and deliver a positive PR message about your business to the local area.

AEDs should ideally be installed in areas that are easily accessible, clearly visible, and not exposed to unfavorable conditions such as extreme temperatures. Some AEDs have been designed to withstand harsher environments, so if the location of your AED is likely to be exposed, ensure you select a device that has been designed accordingly.

Most modern AEDs can be easily installed in indoor and outdoor settings, providing faster onsite emergency care in the event of a cardiac arrest.

What is an AED (automatic external defibrillator)?

A brief history of defibrillators

The development of defibrillators dates back to the late 19th century when two physiologists from the University of Geneva, Switzerland - Frédéric Batelli and Jean-Louis Prévost - first demonstrated defibrillators. They discovered that it was possible to induce ventricular fibrillation in dogs by stimulating the heart with small electrical shocks and that the larger charges could reverse the condition.

The external defibrillator that we know today was invented in 1930 by William Kouwenhoven. Kouwenhoven, born in 1886 was dubbed the “Father of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation” and focussed his studies on the association between electric shocks and their effects on the heart and developing a machine that would shock the heart without the need for surgery.

Since then, gradual improvements in the functions and the design of defibrillators have led to the development of more efficient and easier-to-use Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). 

AEDs are designed to analyze the rhythm of cardiac activity, diagnose the shockable rhythm, and calculate the charge needed to treat the patient. AEDs found most commonly in workplaces and public settings today require no clinical skills, therefore allowing laypersons to respond to emergencies effectively. 

Summary of the primary purpose of a defibrillator

Defibrillation is a process during which an electrical device known as a defibrillator sends electric shocks in order to restore a regular heartbeat or the pumping action of the heart. 

It is estimated that two-third of the cases of cardiac arrest occur outside healthcare settings. The chances of successful resuscitation are markedly improved if defibrillation is performed within the initial few minutes after a cardiac arrest.

A semi-automatic defibrillator delivers diagnostic advice on the requirement for a shock to be delivered by the operator. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are capable of interpreting the heart rhythm of the patient and delivering an electric shock automatically with the need for minimal input from the operator. AEDs do not deliver a shock unless the presence of a cardiac rhythm, which requires defibrillation, is detected.

What are the different AEDs and defibrillator types? 

There are a range of different AED and defibrillator types available on the market today. They include manual internal defibrillators, manual external defibrillators, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), wearable cardiac defibrillators, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). 

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

AEDs are the common device, sited in most non-hospital environments, and use computer technology to analyze the heart rhythm and determine if it requires a shock to help resuscitate the patient. These devices are nowadays widely found in nearly all medical facilities, business premises, airports, government offices, sports stadiums, hotels and schools.

Manual external defibrillator

These defibrillator types require more training and experience to handle them effectively, hence they are common only in hospitals and some emergency response units where experienced medical professionals are present. 

Using a manual external defibrillator, in combination with an ECG, trained healthcare providers can determine the cardiac rhythm and manually calculate the timing and voltage of the shock to be given to the patient’s chest through external paddles.

Manual internal defibrillator

Manual internal defibrillators use internal paddles to send electric shocks directly to the heart. They are used on an open chest, and hence, are commonly only present in operating rooms. 

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Also called the automatic internal cardiac defibrillators (AICDs), these defibrillator types monitor the patient’s heart constantly, similar to a pacemaker, and detect ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, atrial fibrillation, and supraventricular tachycardia. 

When the device detects an abnormal rhythm, it determines the shock voltage needed to restore the cardiac functions automatically.

These devices are fitted in hospitals under local anesthetic to patients who have been diagnosed with an abnormal heart rhythm

Wearable cardiac defibrillator

This device is built into a wearable vest. It monitors the patient on a continuous basis when worn and sends a shock to the heart tissues whenever needed. 

Who can use an AED or defibrillator?

AEDs can be used by most people with minimal training.  Employees in business premises,  working in schools, shops or shopping centers, community centers, bars and restaurants, tourist areas, sports centers, and libraries and so on, can use AEDs to treat a person suffering from a cardiac arrest. 

However, manual internal and external defibrillators can be operated only by medical professionals and are mainly found in environments where a trained professional is present to administer them

Which is the best AED for my workplace or environment?

 Here are some of the best AEDs on the market for different types of environments:

How to choose the best AED or best defibrillator? 

Here are some parameters to consider for choosing the best AED or best defibrillator for your environment: 

Semi-automatic or fully automatic

Fully automatic AEDs deliver a shock automatically to the patient as they are designed to analyze their cardiac rhythm, meaning that these devices do not need anyone to press the button to deliver the shock, they automatically monitor the patient’s heart rhythm and simply announce when the shock is to be delivered. 

People who are not familiar with using AEDs can administer these devices and deliver a shock quickly and efficiently just by following the instructions thus helping save the life of the patient. Instructions delivered by the device will also prompt bystanders to stand back when the shock is delivered, avoiding the chances of secondary shocks.

However, if the environment is particularly noisy, instructions may not be heard clearly by all. In such cases, there is a chance of bystanders being in contact with the device when the shock is administered, putting them at a risk of receiving a shock.

Semi-automatic AEDs mean the shock is manually delivered by the user, meaning that they require someone to press the button to administer it. This can ensure that all bystanders are clear of the patient at the time of administration. 

Price

You can choose new or refurbished defibrillators depending on the specific needs and budget of your business. Refurbished defibrillators come at a discounted price and can be a sensible option when budgets are a constraint. You can view our full range of new and fully refurbished AEDs and Defibrillators here

Physical weight and size 

The weight and size of the unit should be taken into consideration to ensure the device you choose fits easily into the space available in your environment and can be carried or transported easily in the event of emergencies.

CPR coaching

You could consider choosing an AED with additional CPR coaching as this helps to coach the user through CPR which may be beneficial for occasional users and members of the public where prior knowledge of CPR practices is unknown.

IP rating

IP rating (Ingress Protection) tells you how much protection the AED has against elements such as water ingress and dust. The IP rating can make a difference to your choice of AED depending on your environment. 

For example; if you are purchasing an AED for a workplace that is exposed to water or vapours (such as a swimming pool or scuba diving school), the IP rating should be taken into consideration. A good IP rating is also important if the workplace is dusty as extra protection levels exist to ensure the AED performance isn’t impacted.

Expected user base

Some AEDs require separate pads for adults and children, whereas others are designed to use the same pads for both adults and children with a selector on the device to choose between adult mode or child mode. 

Clearly, if no children are likely to be present in your workplace or environment, having only adult pads should in theory be fine. However, if you are looking for AEDs for an environment where members of the public have access, you should consider an AED with pads that can be used for adults as well as children, or those with 2 separate sets of pads that can be easily switched. 

What maintenance does my AED need?

All AEDs require regular maintenance and upkeep, regardless of whether or not they have been used. Your device will come with instructions specific to that model, so be sure to record notable dates where checks and replacements are required to ensure your device is always up to date and ready to go.

Batteries

Most AEDs have a battery life of about 2 to 7 years. For occasional users, investing in the best AED or best defibrillator with a long battery life helps to save money and reduce the frequency of changing batteries. You can view our range of AED replacement batteries here

Pads

The cost and lifespan of consumables like electrode pads need to be considered when deciding on your AED device. 

Pads are sealed, single-use accessories that need to be replaced once they have been opened. The pads also have a shelf life of approximately 2-5 years (depending upon type), hence, pad life and replacement cost should be taken into account when choosing the best defibrillator for your workplace environment.

Storage, carrying and casing 

There are a variety of storage options, bags and casings designed to hold, store and/or carry your workplace AED and each option should be carefully considered to suit your environment. From alarmed wall mounted boxes and brackets to backpacks and water tight hard shell carrying cases, each option is designed to hold the AED and its critical accessories meaning that you have everything you need, secure and in one place when you need it. You can view our full range of AED accessories including storage and casing options here.

How regularly should I replace my AED unit?

Currently, there is no definite lifespan of AEDs, these are often determined by the manufacturer and will be highlighted in the user manual. However, if a device is out of warranty or is over 8 years old, it may be time to consider replacing the unit to ensure you are using the most current technology and a unit that is supported by current leading bodies.

How often should my AED be checked?

Most current devices perform regular self checks and will highlight issues as and when they arise. Frequent visual checks on AEDs are recommended to ensure that issues are picked up and resolved quickly and any damage noted and fixed. 

Testing is required less frequently, depending upon regularity of use. Testing should be completed once every couple of months if in regular use, or at least once a year if used less frequently. These tests assess how efficiently the device can perform and check its ability to recognize different types of heart rhythm, diagnose them correctly, and deliver the correct shock voltage.

What are the benefits of registering my AED?

The benefit of registering your AED is 2-fold: 

Firstly, it helps promote you as a responsible AED owner, by making your AED a life-saving unit not just for the people on your premises, but also as a community defibrillator for people in the areas surrounding your premises.

Additionally, when you register a community defibrillator with a program such as the National AED Registry, you receive additional benefits including email reminders about the battery date expiration, AED inspection, and electrode date expiration, helping ensure it is always fully functioning and up to date.

Some community defibrillator registration programs also include the AED Link system that has features to alert the emergency services about AED availability. 

Summary

Hopefully this article has gone some way to helping you understand the type of AEDs and defibrillators available on the market, and which types may be most suitable for your workplace, along with critical information on the upkeep required. However If you still require advice, our specialists will be glad to help you, please get in touch today sales@integrisequipment.com or call 1 (888) 228-7564