You’ve decided to purchase or rent an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), a device that can save a life. But with so many options available, what features are truly essential? How do you choose the right AED? When a cardiac arrest occurs, you need a device that is fast, reliable, and easy for anyone to use. After all, when lives are at stake, you want the very best.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider, helping you choose the best AED for your situation.

Speed: Why Every Second Counts

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, the chance of survival decreases by around 10% for every minute without defibrillation. The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) stresses the importance of minimizing interruptions to chest compressions.

Therefore, a crucial feature is the AED’s ‘time-to-shock’—the time from when pads are applied to when a shock is delivered. This entire process should interrupt CPR for as little time as possible, ideally under 10 seconds. If an AED takes too long to analyse the heart rhythm, vital blood flow to the brain and organs stops, reducing the chance of survival.

Key takeaway: Look for an AED with a fast analysis and charging time to deliver a shock with minimal delay.

Reliability: Ensuring Your AED Works When Needed

The most critical feature of any AED is that it functions perfectly in an emergency. It would be disastrous if the device failed due to a dead battery or an internal fault.

Modern AEDs increase reliability through automatic self-tests. These tests regularly check the battery, pads, and internal circuitry, providing a clear warning if an issue is detected. This ensures the device is always ready. Some advanced AEDs also feature wireless connectivity, allowing remote monitoring of their status—a benefit the RCUK notes can be significant for managing multiple devices.

Key takeaway: Prioritise AEDs that perform regular, comprehensive self-tests.

Ongoing maintenance: Beyond the Initial Purchase

Owning an AED is not a one-time setup; it’s an ongoing responsibility that ensures the device remains ready to save a life. Key maintenance tasks include:

• Replacing Consumables: Both electrode pads and batteries have a limited shelf-life (typically 2-5 years) and must be replaced on schedule, even if the AED is never deployed.
• Responding to Alerts: After a failed self-test, the AED will signal that action is needed. Someone must promptly address the issue to ensure the device is operational again.
• Post-Use Action: After being used in an emergency, the electrode pads must be replaced immediately, and the device’s data may need to be read out.

Managing these tasks requires careful tracking. Therefore, when choosing a supplier, it is wise to consider the total effort of ownership. A comprehensive service plan can lift this administrative burden, guaranteeing your AED is always compliant and ready to perform. This is why, instead of a traditional purchase or rental, many now opt for an all-inclusive subscription model like we offer at Pulse4all. Our service bundles the device, all maintenance, and free replacement of consumables, guaranteeing your AED is always ready to perform without the administrative hassle.

Durability: IP Rating (Dust and Water Resistance)

An AED’s resistance to dust and water is measured by its IP (Ingress Protection) rating. The first digit indicates dust protection, and the second indicates water protection. The higher the IP rating, the better the AED is protected against dust and water.

Is a high IP rating essential? It depends entirely on the location. For an office or home, a standard rating is sufficient. However, if the AED will be placed in a demanding environment like a swimming pool, construction site, or coastal area, a higher IP rating is crucial for ensuring its longevity and proper function. So, if you’re not placing the AED in such a demanding environment, this feature is less important.

Key takeaway: Only prioritize a high IP rating if the AED will be stored in a dusty or humid environment.

User-Friendliness: Guidance for Non-Medical Rescuers

In a high-stress situation, an AED must be simple and intuitive for anyone to operate, even without medical training. Key features that contribute to user-friendliness include:

• Clear Instructions: The device should provide calm, clear voice prompts to guide the user. Visual aids (like diagrams or lights) are also helpful, especially in noisy environments.
• CPR Support: Many AEDs offer CPR assistance. This can range from a simple metronome to guide the compression rate to advanced CPR feedback, which tells the user if they are pushing too hard, too soft, or too fast. While the RCUK notes that a direct link between CPR feedback and survival rates has not yet been conclusively proven, it can be a valuable tool for improving CPR quality.

Automatic vs. Semi-Automatic

Easy operation of an AED can enhance user-friendliness. Some AEDs activate immediately when opened, while others require you to press a button to turn them on.

• Semi-Automatic AEDs: After analysing the heart, the device instructs the user to press a shock button.
• Fully-Automatic AEDs: The device delivers the shock automatically after a verbal countdown.

The RCUK acknowledges that both types have pros and cons. However, it’s important to note that fully-automatic models often have a slightly longer time-to-shock due to the countdown. Most semi-automatic devices can deliver a shock well within the recommended 10-second pause in CPR.

Key takeaway: A semi-automatic AED is often faster and gives the user full control, making it a preferred choice in many situations.

Paediatric Capability: Is the AED Suitable for Children?

If the AED is being placed in a location with children, such as a school, sports club, or community centre, paediatric capability is essential. The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) recommends using an AED with specific child settings for children under eight.

This can be achieved through:

• Special paediatric pads: Smaller pads that deliver a reduced shock.
• A child mode or key: A switch that adjusts the AED’s settings to a lower energy level without needing to change pads. The Philips FRx is a good example of an AED with such a child key.

Key takeaway: If children may be present, choose an AED with a dedicated, easy-to-use child mode.

Read our article about child resuscitation if you want to know more about deploying an AED on children.

Conclusion on How to Choose the Right AED

Choosing an AED is a critical decision. To ensure you’re prepared to save a life, prioritise these essential features:

• Speed: Delivers a shock with minimal interruption to CPR (under 10 seconds).
• Reliability: Performs regular and thorough automatic self-tests.
• Ease of Use: Provides clear, simple instructions and CPR support.
• Suitability: Matches the environment (IP rating) and potential victims (paediatric mode).

By focusing on these core qualities, you can confidently select an AED that is effective, dependable, and ready for any user when it matters most.