CHOOSING THE BEST AED FOR YOUR OFFICE

Almost all offices are equipped with first aid kits and fire extinguishers, but not all workplaces have an automated external defibrillator (AED) readily available. Considering that more than 350,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) each year, having a defibrillator on hand at the office should be a priority in every safety plan.

More than 90% of people who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) will die within minutes without the appropriate defibrillation and CPR. You can increase the chances of saving up to 90% of those lives by having reliable and high-quality defibrillators readily available. However, not all defibrillation devices are the same, and different models may be better suited to different environments.

Choosing the Right Defibrillator for Your Office: Key Considerations

When selecting a defibrillator for the workplace, there are specific factors that are especially significant. Many of our customers are business owners, office managers, and HR directors, and these experts generally prioritize the following three variables above all else.

Simplicity of Use: Although Basic Life Support (BLS) training should be a part of every business’s safety plan, it’s likely that your workplace does not have trained medical personnel on site. Therefore, it’s important to choose an AED that can be easily operated by a non-medical person. Consider automated external defibrillators that offer:

• Voice instruction to guide the CPR and defibrillation processes
• Bilingual functionality with voice instructions in multiple languages (if your office is bilingual)
• On-screen visual guides and text instructions for additional assistance
• A simple layout with straightforward buttons and menus

When selecting an AED for your office, cost is an important consideration, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. While high-quality devices can cost between $1,200 and $3,000, you should not sacrifice quality for a lower price when purchasing a life-saving medical device. However, there are still excellent options available in the $1,200 to $1,600 range. Here are some tips for buyers who are conscious of cost:

• You can save money by opting for AED packages, which are offered by some suppliers. These packages typically include the AED device along with a carrying case, wall cabinet, first responder kit, and other accessories for a slightly higher price.
• Consider buying recertified units to save money. Used and pre-owned AEDs can offer great value, but it’s essential to ensure that the seller provides a substantial warranty and a thorough recertification process.
• It’s important to make sure that your device has a warranty of at least four years, but if you can find a device with an eight or ten-year warranty, that would be even more ideal.
• When purchasing an AED, it’s recommended to choose a provider that provides free shipping. Given that AEDs are heavy, the shipping cost can significantly increase the overall expense.

When selecting an automated external defibrillator (AED) for a business, it’s common to prefer a compact, lightweight, and easily portable device. Fortunately, most modern AEDs only weigh around three pounds, making size and weight less of a concern. Nevertheless, we have included information about device size in our product recommendations below.

Top AEDs for Office Use

Based on the guidelines we have described earlier, below are our three most highly recommended AED models for office use:

Philips HeartStart OnSite AED

User-Friendliness: Operating this device is straightforward. It comes with pre-installed pads and battery, and you only need to pull the green handle to conduct the initial self-test. The device then performs 85 self-tests each month to ensure that it’s functioning correctly. If an emergency arises, the AED provides voice prompts that guide you through every step, including pad placement and administering CPR. It also provides guidance on the appropriate frequency and depth of chest compressions and breaths.

Affordability: The Philips HeartStart OnSite is available for as little as $1,465. It includes a Philips Smart Pad Adult Electrode Cartridge and a Philips OnSite Battery Pack with its own 4-year warranty. The defibrillator itself is protected by an 8-year warranty to ensure the maximum return on your investment. A Philips HeartStart Onsite Value Package is also available.

Size: Weighing only 3.3 pounds, including the electrode pad cartridge and battery pack, this model comes in a semi-rigid carrying case that provides extra protection and makes it simple to transport.

Recommended Accessories: If you’re purchasing the OnSite, consider also purchasing a set of OnSite Adult Training Pads. This will enable you to undergo and lead valuable training in the office. You’ll also need a quality wall cabinet for storage and security.

The Defibtech Lifeline View Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

User-Friendliness: The standout feature of this device is its full-color, high-resolution screen that provides real-time, step-by-step guidance on procedures, removing any ambiguity and ensuring that users have the knowledge necessary to respond in a crisis. It’s the only defibrillator with this feature. Additionally, Real-Time Protocol Selection allows for customized on-screen instructions based on skill level. For further assistance, the built-in metronome counts the beats, enabling confident delivery of compressions.

Affordability: The Defibtech Lifeline View model is available for as little as $1,820. While this is on the higher end of the budget spectrum, it offers some of the most advanced features in its class. The color screen isn’t available on any other competitor device, and the cutting-edge software ensures that the unit is easy to maintain and easy to upgrade at a moment’s notice. The unit comes with an 8-year warranty, a 4-year battery, and pads. A Defibtech Lifeline View Value Package is also available, and this version contains the automated external defibrillator plus a cabinet, case, first responder kit, and more.

Size: Weighing in at just under three pounds, this AED is one of the most compact models available. It boasts an award-winning ergonomic design that not only makes it lightweight and small but also comfortable to hold in the palm of your hand. Despite its small size, the device is sturdy enough to withstand drops and other forms of wear and tear. With the highest rating for drop/shock testing, this AED is crush-resistant and capable of withstanding up to 1,000 pounds of force.

Recommended Accessories: A Defibtech Standard Hard Case can preserve your device and ensure that it’s easy and safe to transport in the event of an emergency. In addition, we recommend keeping AED signage around the office, including a wall poster, decal, and inspection tag.

HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P

User-Friendliness: The 350P is designed to be user-friendly, making it ideal for lay responders. It comes equipped with intuitive features, including straightforward readiness monitoring, real-time CPR and defibrillation coaching, and an uncomplicated two-button operation. Turning the device on and off requires a single button press, while the other button delivers the shock. Simply power it on, listen to the on-screen instructions, and administer treatment accordingly.

Cost: This AED is the most budget-friendly option on our list, with a price tag starting at just $1,400. What’s more impressive is that it comes with a 10-year warranty. The package includes PAD PAK pads, a battery, and a protective carrying case. A HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P Value Package is also available for just $20 more, which includes all of the above and comes with a cabinet, a first responder kit, and all necessary signage.

Size: This automated external defibrillator is the smallest and lightest on the market, weighing in at just 2.4 pounds. Its circular design allows it to fit in even the most compact spaces. Despite its small size, it is built to withstand rugged environments and boasts the highest durability ratings of any model, including an IP56 Dust & Water Rating.

Recommended Accessories: A HeartSine Samaritan AED Wall Bracket provides a secure fit and enables you to affix your 350P to the office wall for use at a moment’s notice. In addition, a HeartSine Semi-Rigid Case provides added protection for your device when it’s not in use. Finally, be sure to include ample signage around the office.

Ensuring Your Team’s Safety

If you’re interested in purchasing one or more defibrillator devices for your company, we invite you to explore our selection of high-quality AED machines. As an authorized distributor of all six FDA-approved AED manufacturers, we guarantee competitive pricing for a year. Additionally, we offer free delivery on all orders over $99.

Investing in a quality defibrillation unit provides peace of mind and has the potential to save lives in the future. Whether you make the purchase through us or elsewhere, taking this important step for your team is crucial.