Defibtech Lifeline and Defibtech Lifeline Auto Review

The Defibtech Lifeline and Defibtech Lifeline Auto automated external defibrillators (AEDs) include all of the critical features needed to provide the most advanced treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. The user-friendly design is so simple that even non-medical personnel can effectively operate and potentially save a life with these AED machines.

Defibtech Lifeline Features

The Defibtech Lifeline AED was designed to be rugged and incredibly durable. This device’s award-winning design is made with the same construction and materials as a football helmet.

The Defibtech Lifeline AED comes in both fully automatic (Defibtech Lifeline Auto) and semi-automatic (Defibtech Lifeline).

With the Defibtech Lifeline Auto, after electrode pads have been correctly placed on the patient’s bare chest, the device will automatically analyze the patient’s heart rhythm and deliver a shock without the need for rescuers to intervene. The Defibtech Lifeline also automatically analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm. However, this AED has a red shock button labeled with a lightning bolt that when prompted needs to be pushed to deliver the shock to the patient. Learn more about the difference between these devices here.

Tested to military standards for shock and vibration, this AED’s lightweight design helps provide quick transport and easy rescue, while its ability to withstand dust and water ingress adds to its robust functionality.

Device Specifications

• Size: 8.5 x 11.8 x 2.7 inches
• Weight: 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg)
• Ingress Protection Rate: IP54; splash proof, dust protected
• Operating temperature: 0 to 50o (32 to 122oF)

Battery Specifications

• Battery power: 15V, 1400 mAh
• Battery capacity: 125 shocks or 8 hours of continuous operation
• Battery life: 5 years
• Type: Lithium/Manganese Dioxide
• Disposable, recyclable, non-rechargeable
• Visible and audible indicators will notify low battery
• System integrity test on battery inspection
• Unit and battery pack system tests may also be initiated by the user

Pad Specifications

• Adult and pediatric pad options are available
• Part #s: DDP-100, DDP-200P
• One of the lowest pad prices on the market ranging from $68-$117
• Pad Presence self-test: Pads preconnected are tested daily
• Pad Placement: Adult – Anterior/Anterior and Child/Infant – Anterior/Posterior
• Cable length of pads: 48 in (122 cm)
• Pre-connected, single-use, non-polarized, disposable, self-adhesive electrodes with cable and connector
• Pads should be disposed of and replaced after use or on the expiration date

Device Performance and Reliability

The Defibtech Lifeline (and Lifeline AUTO) AEDs were crafted by experienced Defibtech multidisciplinary engineering teams to incorporate the most cutting-edge digital signal processing techniques and advanced ECG analysis algorithms. This device exceeds the American Heart Association performance recommendation and guidelines to give users confidence that the correct treatment is being given. Please note, this device was subject to a recall back in 2011. The manufacturer sent a correction notice on March 11, 2011. To read more about this recall, visit FDA U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

The first save story reported by the manufacturer in Defibtech Case Studies was with the Defibtech Lifeline at a YMCA in Hartsville, SC. The YMCA member collapsed during a workout, and another member was able to successfully rescue the victim using a Defibtech Lifeline AED despite never having been trained on how to use an AED.

Defibtech Certifications

The Defibtech Lifeline AUTO AED won the Good Design Award in December 2014. This award comes from the oldest design competition in the world, founded in Chicago in 1950 by the pioneering greats of American and modern design. The company’s most recent achievement in February 2021 was from Tech Top 40 where Defibtech was named one of the top 5 fastest growing companies in the Life Science category.

Other company achievements include:

• CQIA Innovation Prize (June 2012)
• Spark International Design Award (November 2012)
• Exporter of the Year Award (March 2013)
• American Business Award (June 2010)

See all Defibtech awards and achievements.

Defibtech Lifeline Cost Analysis

The Defibtech Lifeline (and Lifeline AUTO) price ranges from $1,435 to $1,610 positioning it as a competitive and cost-effective solution for anyone looking for a durable and easy-to-use AED. In addition to the initial investment, its essential replacement parts, the AED adult and pediatric electrode pads, and AED batteries typically range between $70 to $210.

The device’s maintenance requirements are minimal with pad replacements every 2 years and battery replacements up to every 5 (or 7) years unless the device is used or the status indicator says otherwise. With low expenses for such long-lasting accessories, this affordability extends to the overall cost of ownership for this device.

What Are Customers Saying about The Defibtech Lifeline

In a survey given to individuals who previously purchased a Defibtech Lifeline AED, customers anonymously mentioned the device was either lightweight or easy to use. Scroll through our most recent customer feedback below.

Wes’s experience with the Defibtech Lifeline

Author: Wes Wagoner, EMT

Wes believes that Defibtech makes great AED machines at very attractive prices. He says, “Just because these devices aren’t as expensive as their competition doesn’t mean they aren’t as good! One of the unique features of the Defibtech Lifeline AED is the use of a 9V battery for its routine self-checks, ensuring the AED battery is fully charged if it is needed for a rescue.”

Wes continues, “The Lifeline AEDs also use LEDs instead of a less-vibrant LCD screen, which provide bright, clear visual guidance to reinforce voice instructions. Trust me, it can make a huge difference during a rescue!”

AED Comparison Chart

	CARDIAC SCIENCE	DEFIBTECH		HEARTSINE		PHILIPS		PHYSIO-CONTROL	ZOLL
	POWERHEART G5	LIFELINE	LIFELINE VIEW	SAMARITAN PAD 350P/360P	SAMARITAN PAD 450P	HEARTSTART ONSITE	HEARTSTART FRX	LIFEPAK CR2	AED PLUS	AED 3
Warranty	8 Years	8 Years	8 Years	8 Years	8 Years	8 Years	8 Years	8 Years	7 Years	8 Years
Weight (LBs.)	5.7	4.2	<3	2.4	2.4	3.3	3.5	4.5	6.7	5.5
Dimensions (H” x W” x D”)	11.8” x 9.0” x 3.4”	11.8” x 8.5” x 2.7”	9.5” x 7.3” x 2.3”	8.0” x 7.25” x 1.9”	8.0” x 7.25” x 1.9”	8.3” x 7.4” x 2.8”	8.9” x 7.1” x 2.4 “	10.8” x 8.9” x 3.8”	11.5” x 9.5” x 5.25”	5” x 9.7” x 9.3”
Fully-Automatic Option			—		—	—	—
Joule Output	95J–354J	150J	150J	150J–200J	150J–200J	150J	150J	150J–200J	120J–200J	120J–200J
Ingress Protection	55	54	55	56	56	21	55	55	55	55
Data Download Method	USB	Data Card	Data Card or USB	USB	USB	Data Card	Data Card	WiFi or USB	USB	WiFi or USB
Electrode Pads Life	2 Years	2 Years	2 Years	4 Years	4 Years	2 Years	2 Years	4 Years	5 Years	5 Years
Electrode Pads Self-test		—							—	—
Pediatric Method	Pediatric Pad	Pediatric Pad	Pediatric Pad	Pediatric Pad	Pediatric Pad	Pediatric Pad	Key	Button	Pediatric Pad	Button
Battery Standby Life	4 Years	5 or 7 Years	4 Years	4 Years	4 Years	4 Years	4 Years	4 Years	5 Years	5 Years
CPR Coaching	Responsive	Passive	Passive	Passive	Responsive	Passive	Passive	Responsive	Responsive	Responsive
Bilingual		—	—	—	—	—	—		—	—
Remote Monitoring	—	—	—	—	—	—	—		—
Aviation Option	—	—			—	—	—	—	—	—
ECG Display	—	—	Optional	—	—	—	—	—	Optional
Convert AED to Trainer	—			—	—			—	—	—
Stand-Alone Trainer (Sold Separately)			—

AED Use-Case Analysis

The Defibtech Lifeline AED is great for businesses that are likely to transport and use an AED indoors or outdoors. Examples include:

• Airports
• Rail stations and trains
• Educational institutions (schools, job training facilities, etc.)
• Malls
• Factories
• Resorts
• Fitness centers
• Arenas
• Country clubs

Each of these examples is a great candidate for the Defibtech Lifeline. Anyone is eligible to use this device. No training is required.

Local AED Regulations

Some states have laws and regulations in place to help owners stay responsible AED owners. Certain industries like schools, gyms, or large occupancy facilities may have laws that require an AED to be on-site. Other corporate workplaces and businesses follow OSHA and federal laws that may contain AED or AED-related regulations such as proper AED placement and AED/CPR training.

Businesses can be held liable for an employee or patron’s cardiac death if they are not following these rules and regulations. There are AED programs available that can help protect businesses from civil liability by helping them stay compliant with state AED laws and public access defibrillator (PAD) policies.

AED laws tend to move rapidly through the legislative process and to keep compliant with your emergency medical services, it is important to stay vigilant of new AED regulation changes. Keeping up with AED laws that have recently passed can be difficult. Below are some recommended resources we find helpful to keep up with AED laws and regulations.

• AED Law Center
• Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) State Law Fact Sheet
• AED Laws and Legislation Page
• Casetext
• Find Law

How to Use the Defibtech Lifeline AED

Defibtech Lifeline Save Story

With most sudden cardiac arrest instances happening outside of a hospital setting, it’s very possible that it happens in the workplace. According to the Defibtech Newsroom, Ethan, a truck driver who was on-site in his workplace collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest and survived from a Defibtech AED. Luckily, his other employees were nearby, and Ethan was administered CPR, and the Defibtech AED was used to resuscitate him. Ethan was taken to the hospital after the incident, but later sent home and made a full recovery from the incident.

Read full story → https://defibtech.com.au/blogs/news/sudden-cardiac-arrest-in-workplace

Frequently Asked Questions on the Defibtech Lifeline AED

Q. When should the Defibtech AED NOT be used?

A. The Defibtech Lifeline Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) should not be used if the victim is responsive or conscious.

Q. What is the best temperature to store the Defibtech Lifeline AED?

A. The best operating temperature for the Defibtech Lifeline AED is between 0 to 50o (32 to 122oF). There is a one-hour operating temperature limit for extreme cold cases: -20oC (-4 F)

Q. How do you replace the Defibtech Lifeline AED battery?

A. First, turn the device to the side to reveal the battery compartment and orange button. Then press the orange button to extract the battery and dispose. Before inserting your new battery, the side compartment to be sure a 9-volt battery is located inside your primary battery. Next, pop the new battery back into the AED until you hear it click. Lastly, check to be sure the active status indicator flashes green.

Q. How do you replace the Defibtech Lifeline AED pads?

A. First, check to ensure that the pad package has not expired. Pads over their expiration date should not be used and should be discarded. Next, check to ensure that the pads package has not been torn, opened, or damaged – dispose if they are. Finally, insert the connector end of the defibrillation pad cable into the pad connector port on the corner of the AED as shown. Press the pad connector in firmly until it is fully seated in the unit. The pad package can then be stored in the pad storage slot in the back of the AED.

Where to Purchase Defibtech Lifeline AEDs

At AEDSuperstore, we pride ourselves on providing cost-effective Defibtech Lifeline AEDs, designed to deliver effective responses in emergency situations. You can conveniently purchase the Defibtech Lifeline AEDs through AEDSuperstore. You can also browse our broader selection of FDA-approved AED defibrillator machines here.

Manufacturer’s Information

According to the manufacturer’s website on Defibtech history, Defibtech has a remarkable history rooted in the mission to increase survival from sudden cardiac arrest. Founded in 1999 by Yale University graduates, Dr. Glenn Laub and Dr. Gintaras Vaisnys wanted to create an automated external defibrillator (AED) that was more affordable to reach a larger market of people and small businesses.

The company’s journey began with the creation of the Lifeline AED, which received FDA approval in 2002. From there, Defibtech grew into what was recognized in 2007 as one of the fastest-growing medical equipment companies in North America. Today, Defibtech operates from its headquarters in Guilford, CT, and manufacturing facilities in Branford and North Branford, CT.

With over 400,000 AED units in the field globally, Defibtech’s Lifeline AED has been a staple since the beginning. Each Defibtech Lifeline unit is covered by a warranty for eight (8) years from the purchase date. The battery for this device is covered for four (4) years from the purchase date, not exceeding the date printed on the battery. Single-use accessories such as electrode pads are warranted until use or expiration, whichever comes first.