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Great Tips for Choosing the Most Appropriate Automatic External Defibrillator

A lot of people have heart diseases, and that explains why there are many instances of cardiac arrests which end up killing millions of people annually. This is a high mortality rate, but with the new technology of using automatic external defibrillators, the death rates can be reduced significantly. Even though many people understand the importance of having an AED, they are not conversant with choosing the right because there is a variety of AED in the market. Here is a brief guide on how to select a perfect automatic external defibrillator.

Get a prescription from your physician. In some cases, a doctor’s prescription is required before you purchase an AED. FDA stipulates regulations on manufacturing and purchase of medical equipment and this one is no exception. However, some retailers do no insist on having a doctor’s prescription, and thus, you can buy from them without it. Nowadays, it is to get a prescription from your physician or medical director.

Determine the essential features of the AED. How would you want to use the AED and what kind of patients are you likely to have? AEDs come with different features which not only make them sophisticated but determines their ease of use. The features also determine ease of use, accessibility, reliability, and durability of the machine. For instance, most AEDs have lithium-ion batteries, built-in printers, CPR metronomes, and ECG monitoring. You should consider whether you need fully automatic or semi-automatic equipment.

Check the applicable regulations. As a layperson, you might not be aware of many issues concerning AEDs, but you can consult your medical director for guidance. States have different regulations for installing AED in buildings or vehicles, and you must observe them. Your physician can provide the best guidance so that you are compliant. Just like other medical machines, you should have regular inspection and maintenance of the AED and also document employee training, repairs, and usage. Frequently check the expiry dates of defibrillation pads and replace the batteries whenever necessary.

Consider your budget for the purchase of AED. There is no standard price for AEDs, and thus, retailers sell them at different prices. It is recommendable to compare the cost of AEDs on different outlets and preferably, you should do it online where there is a wide range of items. Most AEDs are expensive, and if you need financial assistance, check for grants from state and public institutions. When budgeting to buy an AED, factor in the training costs and cost of replacing defibrillation pads and batteries.

Get a professional trainer to help you. You will not save lives if you have an AED that you cannot use. Find a certified trainer to guide you on using it. The training should be comprehensive, and the trainer should provide certificates after completion.

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