Our comprehensive AED resource center provides you with all the information you need for automated external defibrillators (AEDs), sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and other heart health topics. Whether you’re buying your first AED for home or business or you’re a seasoned healthcare professional, you’ll find the latest and most important news and information about AEDs right here.
Best AEDs for 2024
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Cardiac arrest has been the leading cause of natural death in the United States for years, but thanks to innovative AED technology, along with training programs from excellent organizations such as the National Safety Council sudden cardiac arrest deaths in America are on the decline (as of November 4th, 2022).
In addition to lifestyle and heart-health knowledge, advancements in cardiac technology have provided us with many automated external defibrillators. When immediately engaged in proper use, defibrillators can produce survival rates as high as 50-70%. This is a profound improvement on the 9% survival rate associated with CPR compressions alone. While emergency cardiac events require every step in the chain of survival to be completed, AEDs have proven to be lifesaving gamechangers within the process.
In the paragraphs below, we cover the best defibrillators for a variety of common uses, as well as tips for choosing an AED device, background on AED manufacturers and more.
Choosing Your AED Device
AED devices often include specifications and accessories which make them suitable for the challenges of certain emergencies. For example, some defibrillators are more portable, some are more crush resistant, and some have higher ingress protection (IP*) ratings. Some have combinations of all of these characteristics and more, making them the better choice for use in active outdoor environments, such as a beach lifeguard station or backpacking expedition.
*The IP rating of the AED is displayed with two numbers. The higher the value of each number, the more impervious the automated external defibrillator is to either moisture such as swimming pool water or solid fragments such as dust.
Bearing this importance on situational fitness in mind is crucial when shopping and choosing your automated external defibrillator. Important questions to ask while narrowing down a list of best AEDs for your purpose might be:
- Will the defibrillator ever be exposed to the elements?
- Who will be using this device?
- Which languages will this device need to cover?
- Will this automated external defibrillator be used by children or to rescue infants or small children?
- How easy is the device to carry and even to maintain?
- Will this be used in a home and will this device fit budget requirements?
To further expand AED knowledge and simplify the search, we’ve highlighted some AEDs well suited for various environments:
- Schools
- Churches
- Homes
- Offices
- Gyms
- Daycare centers
- Small businesses
- Emergency medical services (including firefighting and policing)
- Outdoor use
- Public spaces
Best AEDs for Schools
Physio Control LIFEPAK CR2
Key features:
- Easy to use (turn on by simply opening the lid)
- ClearVoice instructions and prompts
- Self-adjusting volume
- CPR guidance
- Child mode and QUIK-STEP technology (one set of pads for adults and children)
One thing parents agree on is the importance of safety for our children at school. Schools host days full of creative indoor and outdoor activities within large buildings, and similar to churches or community centers, schools can become centers of our communities.
Whole families gather within schools regularly to support students as they pursue sports, music, science, social and artistic endeavors. Volunteers and staff instructors of many ages devote their lives to teaching students well. With so much life centered around the well-being of our kids, it only makes sense we’d also want to make sure our schools are well protected.
The Physio Control LIFEPAK CR2 is an excellent choice for schools. The CR2 features forerunning technology and simplistic portability, making it an excellent defibrillator for use by the general public. This defibrillator is exceedingly straightforward to operate and can be turned on and pads placed simply by opening the lid and following the instructions. Designed with ClearVoice® Technology, this AED delivers clear, calm, sequential instructions to continuously direct the user through the entire chain of survival.
Other features which make the LIFEPAK CR2 a working fit for schools include self-adjusting volume for the machine’s voice prompts; this defibrillator will accommodate even a very high background noise level automatically. A bilingual option is also available and allows the user to toggle between two preset languages, even during the rescue. CPR guidance and clear pictures on pads and the AED machine eliminate the need for guesswork.
The CR2 has the advanced QUIK-STEP Defibrillation technology, which means the pads included enable defibrillation on adult or child patients with no need to switch pads. The front panel also has a “Child Mode” button which when pushed transposes the rhythm analysis to compensate for a pediatric patient.
Cardiac Science Powerheart G5
Key features:
- Bilingual capacity
- On-screen directions
- Intellisense CPR Feedback pads advise rescuer with audio prompts and visual aids for CPR
The Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 is another defibrillator which can be utilized in a bilingual capacity (specifically for Spanish) by pressing a button, and also offers clear on-screen direction in noisy environments. Also, of interest regarding the Powerheart is that it will come with CPR Feedback pads. These innovative “Intellisense” pads will advise the rescuer with audio prompts and visual aids to adjust the rate and depth and recoil of compressions for optimal CPR.
Best AEDs for Churches
Defibtech Lifeline AED
Key features:
- Easy to use
- Low unit cost
- Lightweight design with built-in carrying handle
So much life and community for all generations can happen in churches. This dynamic creates a demand on whichever defibrillator is chosen to be extremely straightforward and a jack-of-all-trades.
The Defibtech Lifeline has been designed for ease of use in medical emergencies. The semi-automatic Lifeline AED provides users with a very approachable operating system in the event of an emergency and is also a lower cost unit which may prove beneficial for non-profit and charitable organizations. Extremely lightweight, this defibrillator has a built-in carrying handle, and is a very bright yellow color making it easy to find and transport. One thing to keep in mind when shopping for the Lifeline is that the buyer might want to purchase pediatric pads for the device, to ensure the church is ready should an infant or small child need assistance.
Heartsine Samaritan PAD 350P
Key features:
- SMART Biphasic technology optimizes high and low current usage
- Lightweight
- Low unit cost
- High dust and IP rating
- Easy to use w/guidance
Heartsine Samaritan PAD 350P AED is another device we’d recommend for a church setting. The 350P has been designed with Philips SMART Biphasic Therapy technology, so the device utilizes a signature combination of high current to maximize effectiveness, and a lower energy dose to minimize side effects harmful to a fragile heart (heartsmart.com). This feature might come in handy in emergencies experienced by an elderly person or a child.
Also of note is the light carrying weight and lower cost of the unit which along with the highest dust and water ingress rating in the industry, ease of use and lights for rescue guidance, makes this defibrillator a potential great choice for churches.
Top Home AEDs
Philips Heartstart Onsite Home AED
Key features:
- Reasonable price
- Only unit FDA approved for home use
- No prescription needed
- Simple design, easy to operate w/guidance
Home is the place we love to lean into for rest, shelter and connection with the people we love most. We plan carefully and take numerous measures to prepare our houses and families for events such as fires, floods and break-ins.
In preparing for every eventuality, it makes sense we’d be ready for a cardiac emergency as well, especially to protect our families. One of the home AEDs we recommend is Philips Heartstart Onsite defibrillator, which can be purchased without a prescription.
This in-demand home AED has been designed by a well-trusted household brand and is priced affordably. The device comes both with a pre-installed battery and pads. It is simple to operate with an activation pull-handle in front. It provides guided audio instruction and SMART Biphasic Therapy.
HeartSine Samaritan 350P Home Package
Another worthy contender for home use is the HeartSine Samaritan 350P Home Package. The comprehensive AED bundle is approved for home use and doesn’t require a medical prescription. It’s equipped with the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P, a device known for being lightweight, compact, water and dust-resistant, making it suitable for any location in your home.
Key features of the HeartSine Samaritan 350P include:
- Weighs only 2.4 lbs. and has a compact design
- Easy to follow visual and voice prompts guide users through resuscitation process
- Pad-Pak cartridge system for easy maintenance
- Durable and rugged design with a high protection level against dust and water
The package includes home essential tools like a semi-rigid carrying case, check tags to keep track of expirations, and more. With devices like these, we can be ready to protect our loved ones in the event of a cardiac emergency at home.
You can learn more about home AEDs in our best AEDs for home article.
Best AEDs for Offices
Within the spaces most offices provide, any number of AEDs could be well-suited. Of course, each office tenant or owner must do some homework when deciding which AED is going to be best for their space.
Factors an office might need to consider before purchasing an AED will depend largely on how the office space is used and what kind of clientele is expected. Some example considerations might include:
- ages and fitness of patrons and staff involved
- hours of operation
- legal regulations
It may also be helpful to include such accessories as an inspection/maintenance tag, an “AED Equipped Facility” wall decal and an AED storage wall cabinet. These additional items are often included and sold in an AED package. They are beneficial in the sense that anyone walking into the office would probably notice the AED or at least easily locate the device, even on their first visit.
Defibtech Lifeline View AED
Key features:
- Easy to use
- Low unit cost
- Lightweight design with built-in carrying handle
- Full-color interactive display
- High level of guidance
One easily located, brightly colored medical device worth considering might be the Defibtech Lifeline View AED. The Lifeline View AED is the original and only defibrillator offering a full-color, interactive display. The View’s screen shows sequential rescue videos making it possible for anyone to execute CPR, rescue breathing, and external defibrillation.
In addition to video guidance, it’s important to note the Lifeline View also provides two other succinct modes of instruction:
- easily understandable, calming voice instructions
- onscreen text prompts
In the semi-public office setting, this particular design with its attention to guidance detail is especially useful. An unknown type of rescuer or patient may walk through the office door and need the AED defibrillator at any given moment.
Heartsine Samaritan PAD 450P AED
Key features:
- SMART Biphasic technology optimizes high and low current usage
- Lightweight
- Low unit cost
- High dust and IP rating
- Easy to use w/guidance
- Electrode-based CPR Rate Advisor w/audio-visual feedback
Next in line in our small office discussion, effective for the smallest office space, is the efficient and economical Heartsine Samaritan 450P.
With Integrated CPR rate advisor this semi-automatic defibrillator is easily used by almost any bystander. It is also lightweight and durable in case of a rescue “down the hall”, in the parking lot or in a nearby office. It ships complete with a Heartsine Samaritan adult pad-pak (electrode pads, and battery combo) and an 8-year manufacturer’s warranty for purchasing peace of mind.
Best AEDs for Gyms or Fitness Studios
AEDs are important and often required by law to be present in a gym or fitness studio. While some studios exist in a very simple and flat space with a primarily adult focus such as boxing, yoga, martial arts or dance, other comprehensive fitness clubs offer a wide range of wellness activities occurring in many different designated spaces such as swimming pools and rock-climbing walls; some gyms even include daycare centers!
Depending on how and where a gym AED will be used, it must be designed with considerations for each fitness layout and carry an ingress protection rating high enough to handle an environment in which more active substances linger in the air, such as dust or dirt, sweat, chlorine, and other cleaning products. AED cabinets are recommended to protect the AED as well.
Large gyms tend to host nearly every generation daily, so every age group must be accounted for when considering the attenuated shock the AED is capable of delivering.
Defibtech Lifeline View
Key features:
- Easy to use
- Low unit cost
- Lightweight design with built-in carrying handle
- Full-color interactive display
- High level of guidance
As far as AED recommendations for gyms or fitness centers the Defibtech Lifeline View AED is a top choice. With its rubberized grip for easy carrying, the View AED can be transported with little effort–even by a rescuer with sweaty or damp hands.
The View’s interactive color screen shows sequential rescue videos making it possible for anyone to interactively follow through on CPR, rescue breathing, and external defibrillation. It’s important to note the Lifeline View also succinctly provides two other modes of instruction:
- easily understandable, calming voice instructions
- onscreen text prompts
This particular design and its attention to detailed guidance is especially useful in noisy environments such as a gym.
Philips Heartstart FRx AED
Key features:
- Durable (drop/crush tested)
- High IP Rating
- One set of pads for adults and children (pediatric key)
The Philips Heartstart FRx is another AED which would be well suited to a fitness center. The FRx is drop and crush tested, very durable, and has a pediatric key which means the AED shock can be attenuated to rescue even a very small child with no need for the added maintenance and cost of pediatric pads.
Best AEDs for Daycare Centers
Similar to a gym or fitness center AED, a daycare center AED must also be ready for anything, but with an emphasis on children. Daycare environments have heightened safety requirements and many different zones including bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor play structures and indoor play areas. These centers also frequently keep available sensory play materials such as playdough, kinetic sand, macaroni, glue and every other type of crafting fare imaginable.
Not only does a daycare center have specific types of messes, but it also has busy, fast paced traffic areas and a high movement level. Keeping the daily schedule rolling along in a daycare is a big challenge, and the dynamic during a childcare facility emergency could potentially create a bit of chaos.
The best AED for a daycare center is most likely going to be an AED which can be safely stored and yet easily located. It must be well-suited for children and infants alike, have a high ingress rating, and be easily operated. A defibrillator which offers continuous monitoring both in the AED self-checking department and the interactive first-aid coaching department would also be a huge plus. Ultimately the best AED for a daycare will be one which instills as much confidence in facilitators and parents as is humanly possible.
ZOLL AED 3
Key features:
- Child mode setting
- Available Value Package w/cabinet
- Very rugged
- Best CPR guidance
- Wifi capable maintenance and event reporting
The requirements for a highly active public or private space such as a daycare could be met by the ZOLL AED 3, which has: a built-in child mode setting capable of instantly adjusting shock level to the appropriate joules for smaller children.
Additionally, The ZOLL 3 is vibrant and brightly colored making it easy to locate. For safety reasons, the medical machine might best be kept in a designated cabinet at the daycare and conveniently a secure wall cabinet is included in the ZOLL 3 School and Community Value Package offered by AED Superstore.
The ZOLL AED 3 is extremely durable (featuring an ip rating of 55 and a 1-meter drop test rating) and offers Real CPR Help with an LCD display. The unit is Wi-Fi enabled for program management, essentially meaning the buyer is purchasing a “smart” AED which is capable of running regular self-diagnostics.
This efficient machine can also be purchased in a fully automatic capacity enabling almost anyone to walk through an emergency rescue with an automatic shock delivered if the AED determines a shock is appropriate. This feature addresses rescuer hesitancy because the perfect shock is delivered to the patient by the machine at the correct time. We also love the option provided by ZOLL to purchase a ZOLL 3 Trainer, a training device enabling all facility staff to be very well trained in use of the defibrillator.
Philips Heartstart FRx
Key features:
- Durable (drop/crush tested)
- High IP Rating
- One set of pads for adults and children (pediatric key)
The Philips Heartstart FRx also stands out as a potentially great childcare facility AED. Likely more affordable but in some ways similar to the ZOLL AED 3, the Philips FRx requires no pediatric replacement pads.
Currently the only defibrillator on the market to offer an optional child key, the FRx is also lightweight, and depending on where it is purchased may also include a carrying case. The child key allows for rescue of smaller children without extra maintenance cost. The FRx is also drop tested and despite its wonderful portability remains very durable.
Best AEDs for Small Businesses
Many states and the federal government have made AEDs mandatory in public buildings, but private businesses have been slower to adjust. Depending upon the type of small business being run, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, risk of sudden cardiac arrest may be heightened. Some work activities may more likely lead to a heart attack, electrocution, or asphyxiation (OSHA). Whatever the work conditions, OSHA urges employers to have AEDs in the workplace because sudden cardiac arrest can happen any time.
Heartsine Samaritan PAD 360P
Key features:
- Voice prompts and printed graphics with indicator lights
- Automatic shock
- Rugged construction (IP Rating 56)
- Lightest weight 2.4 lbs
- CPR prompts with simple guidance and metronome
- Unique “Pad-Pak” Battery/Electrode Pad combo
The Heartsine Samaritan PAD 360P AED is a fantastic option for small business owners who may on a daily basis experience the pressure of business ownership and making sure necessary requirements are met. Lower cost and in high demand, the small, portable 360P is designed to be fully automatic. This means this defibrillator is capable of delivering appropriate shock on its own, and the rescuer need not push a button to initiate the shock. This is hugely helpful for a less-confident rescuer, especially in the event of pediatric sudden cardiac arrest, for which the 360P is also equipped.
ZOLL AED Plus
Key features:
- Rugged
- Versatile
- Low cost to own
- Unique 1-piece electrode/CPR pad
- Best CPR detection and guidance
Another small business option worth mentioning is the ZOLL AED plus. The ZOLL Plus is a vibrant green color with “AED” on it for easy locating and an easy carry handle. It’s also a very affordable AED to maintain with low cost of ownership over the lifetime of the device.
It is designed to aid rescuers when someone requires treatment whether a patient needs recalibrating shock or not. Audio and visual direction from this device help users rescue with confidence and clarity unmatched by any other AED. The clear life-saving instructions offered by the ZOLL Plus make it perfect for small business owners who use loud machinery and tools at varied indoor and outdoor sites, such as construction contractors.
Best AEDs for EMS (Fire/Police)
Philips Heartstart FRx
Key features:
- Durable (drop/crush tested)
- High IP Rating
- One set of pads for adults and children (pediatric key)
The Philips Heartstart FRx would make a solid defibrillator for the ride along with EMS. Potentially more affordable but similar to the ZOLL AED 3, the Philips FRx requires no pediatric replacement pads. Currently the only defibrillator on the market to offer an optional child key, the FRx is also very lightweight and depending on where purchased may also include a carrying case. The child key allows for rescue of smaller children without extra maintenance cost. The FRx is also crush and drop tested and thus both portableand durable. Also of note, the device carries pacemaker detection, which could prove handy for EMS as well.
Heartsine Samaritan PAD 350P
Key features:
- Voice prompts and printed graphics with indicator lights
- Rugged construction (IP Rating 56)
- Lightest weight 2.4 lbs
- CPR prompts with simple guidance and metronome
- Unique “Pad-Pak” Battery/Electrode Pad combo
The Heartsine Samaritan 350P is another defibrillator we recommend for EMS. The 350P is quite similar to the 360P model discussed previously, with the primary difference being that it’s semi-automatic as opposed to fully automatic. This capability is a good fit for rescuers who have been thoroughly trained and experienced and may not need to spend time following instructional prompts.
With its Philips SMART Biphasic Therapy technology, the device utilizes a signature combination of high current to maximize effectiveness and a lower energy dose to minimize side effects harmful to a fragile heart. The 350P is a light and low cost unit with the highest dust and water ingress rating in the industry.
Best AEDs for Outdoor Use
Quite possibly nothing compares to the beauty and adventure of the outdoor world. In fact, more Americans than ever before participated in camping in the last few years. Whether the draw is a wild-rapids rafting ride, or an opportunity to sit around the campfire with family, the delight of life under the sky is tangible. And since being outdoors is about focusing our eyes on any (and all) natural beauty to be found, the last thing we want to be thinking about is cardiac arrest. To that end, the following are a couple AED recommendations which will safely prepare anyone for an excursion.
ZOLL AED Plus
Key features:
- Rugged
- Versatile
- Low cost to own
- Unique 1-piece electrode/CPR pad
- Best CPR detection and guidance
Here again we point out the intrepid ZOLL AED plus. The ZOLL Plus is a vibrant green color that’s easy to locate and carry with via its simple handle. Its long battery and pad life reduces the frequency and need for replacement accessories, while also providing extra insurance the defibrillator will work well if an emergency happens on the trail. As one may imagine, this feature also lowers cost of device maintenance freeing up funds for one’s travel account.
Additionally, this AED is designed to aid rescuers in saving a patients’ life whether they require a recalibrating shock or not. Audio and visual direction from this device help users rescue and complete the entire CPR chain of survival with confidence and clarity even in wilderness elements. The exceptionally clear life-saving instructions offered by the ZOLL Plus make it easy to follow even for children or those without training.
Heartsine Samaritan PAD 360P
Key features:
- Voice prompts and printed graphics with indicator lights
- automatic shock
- Rugged construction (IP Rating 56)
- Lightest weight 2.4 lbs
- CPR prompts with simple guidance and metronome
- Unique “Pad-Pak” Battery/Electrode Pad combo
Another great defibrillator for outdoors is the Heartsine Samaritan PAD 360P. This popular, low-cost AED is small, portable, and offers a fully automatic shock. Even with the inclusion of adult pads, this defibrillator is a lightweight unit with the highest dust and water ingress rating available. The defibrillator can easily be carried on a backpacking expedition or canoe trip.
The 360P is also capable of delivering appropriate shock on its own. This is hugely helpful for a less-confident rescuer, especially in the event of pediatric sudden cardiac arrest, for which the 360P is also equipped.
Best AEDs for Public Spaces
We’ve discussed defibrillators for many different locations and settings, but what about general public spaces such as parks, shopping malls, and family fun centers? In these cases, it’s very important for city officials or property owners to be aware of any federal and state laws involving the use of AEDs.
Legal topics include but are not limited to:
- Training
- Registration
- Placement
- physician oversight
In order to encourage bystanders to make rescues, all 50 U.S. States also have legal protection for anyone who attempts a rescue using a medical device with good intentions. Many states also monitor maintenance legislation to ensure owners of AEDs keep their defibrillators in good working condition.
Cardiac Science Powerheart G5
Key features:
- Bilingual capacity
- On-screen directions
- Intellisense CPR Feedback pads advise rescuer with audio prompts and visual aids for CPR
One excellent defibrillator for a public space might be the Cardiac Science Powerheart G5. As previously discussed above, the G5 is a defibrillator which can be utilized in a bilingual capacity specifically by pressing a button, and also offers clear on-screen direction in noisy environments.
The Powerheart G5 will also come with CPR feedback pads. These innovative “Intellisense” pads will advise the rescuer verbally and visually to adjust the rate and depth and recoil of compressions for optimal CPR. The durable design of the machine also includes a built-in handle and bright orange color making it easy to find and transport in crowded, busy spaces.
ZOLL AED 3
Key features:
- Child mode setting
- Available Value Package w/cabinet
- Very rugged
- Best CPR guidance
- Wifi capable maintenance and event reporting
Additionally well-suited for public spaces is the ZOLL AED3, which comes with a built-in child mode setting capable of instantly adjusting shock level to the appropriate joules for smaller children as well as a single set of AED pads for adults and children. This device also features an intuitive touch screen with color graphics for clear instructions during each rescue and is vibrantly colored making it easy to locate.
Leading AED Manufacturers
We’ve unpacked information on leading AED manufacturers and their innovative AED models in the sections below for easy reference as you consider your AED options.
ZOLL Medical Corporation
ZOLL focuses on “improving outcomes with novel resuscitation and acute critical care technology.” ZOLL further states its goal is to provide medical products and software solutions to help clinicians, EMS and fire professionals, lay rescuers, and the military give lifesaving care every day. Simply put, ZOLL is clearly acknowledged in the industry for “delivering technology that advances emergency care and benefits patients.”
Each ZOLL AED has been designed with lay rescuers in mind. ZOLL AEDs combine advanced CPR feedback technology, ease of use, and reliability to support even the most inexperienced rescuer throughout the rescue process. This particular focus makes ZOLL AEDs extremely approachable.
When cardiac arrest occurs, nearly all patients will require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but only half of patients will require shock from an automated external defibrillator. With this key fact in mind, ZOLL believes all AEDs should provide more comprehensive CPR assistance to those attempting to save a life during cardiac arrest.
Each AED from ZOLL is designed to help first responders perform the complete process of CPR with high levels of quality and effectiveness. ZOLL’s stand-out defibrillators include but aren’t limited to the ZOLL AED plus and ZOLL AED Pro.
Philips
The Philips company states their central purpose as improving people’s health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips is the trustworthy creator of the Philips Heartstart Onsite, which is currently in high demand as an affordable home AED option. The Philips Onsite is also the one AED available for home use without a prescription.
Another Philips AED of honorable mention is the Heartstart FRx. The Philips FRx requires no pediatric replacement pads. Currently the only defibrillator on the market to offer an optional child key, the FRx is also very lightweight and depending on where it is purchased may also include a carrying case. The child key allows for rescue of smaller children without extra maintenance cost– the FRx is also drop tested, offers visual prompts, and despite its wonderful portability remains very durable.
Physio-Control
The Physio-Control Corporation has been around since it was founded in 1955 by Dr. Karl Edmark. However, in 2016 a company by the name of Stryker Corporation acquired the trail-blazing portable defibrillator company, and Physio-Control now exists as part of Stryker’s Emergency Care Division. Even today Physio-Control focuses on making the best possible emergency defibrillation and automated CPR equipment.
The LIFEPAK line of defibrillators, such as the Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR, includes both advanced units for trained hospital personnel, and defibrillators for use by Emergency Services and the general public.
Cardiac Science
According to Cardiac Science, the company has recently officially changed its name to “Cardiac Defibrillators”, in an effort to continually pursue relevance and innovation across its industry with all clients. Operating in Australia since 1999, Cardiac Defibrillators focuses on extending lives by supplying the public and healthcare professionals with life-saving automated external defibrillators.
An important Cardiac Science AED to follow is the Powerheart G5. This incredibly well-rounded defibrillator offers push-button bilingual instructions, clear on-screen direction for noisy environments, and CPR Feedback pads. These innovative “Intellisense” pads will advise the rescuer verbally and visually to adjust the rate and depth and recoil of compressions for optimal CPR.
Defibtech
The Defibtech Company’s website outlines the company’s focus well and shows their desire to connect with the real humans who use their products. The company states that their “rugged, award-winning AEDs provide best in class performance under all conditions,” and that “the Defibtech lifeline AED, is simple and intuitive with a fully integrated design which means there are no lids, no moving parts, or exterior cases that could confuse or delay a rescuer in an emergency.”
We like the Defibtech Lifeline not only for its ease of use in medical emergencies, and long battery life, but also for the incredible diversity of this formidable machine. The Lifeline remains a top defibrillator as a home AED and for EMS, small businesses, corporations and even government entities.
Heartsine
Heartsine Technologies LLC of Northern Ireland is a division of its parent company, Physio-Control. At Heartsine.com the aim is assisting anyone who might be the first person to respond to a cardiac emergency.
When used according to the manufacturer’s instructions Heartsine AEDs empower first responders with lifesaving technology, while integrated WI-FI connectivity with remote monitoring helps ensure the devices are ready when needed most. Heartsine’s AEDs are highly portable and are also “clinically proven to attenuate shock for differences in patient impedance.”
Final Thoughts
AED Training and Preparation
In 2024 we can focus on the great news that cardiac arrest awareness is rising. Education is a core piece in keeping this positive trend moving forward. More and more people are seeking training on how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and know at least the basics on how to save a life.
Those with defibrillator training will most likely have used a training device and training pads (for pad placement on a person’s chest) and worked with a person designated as a CPR coach. This confidence will help them perform CPR until emergency services arrive. Additionally, many AEDs now provide Real Time CPR Coaching with audio prompts and visual guidance for continuous monitoring, meaning the quality of complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation during emergency events will continue to advance.
In closing our search for the best AED, we recap our knowledge. When a person collapses, loses consciousness and becomes unresponsive, most likely ventricular fibrillation or complete loss of heartbeat has taken place. Without an AED and urgent responsiveness from bystanders and/or professional rescuers, the patient will most likely die. Carefully training oneself and researching, purchasing and maintaining the best AED for each specific situation is the most fool-proof way to stay prepared.
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