I t may seem counter-intuitive, but the last thing you need to worry about when purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED) is its shock quality. While delivering a shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can mean the difference between life and death, it’s not the shock performance that makes the true difference - the FDA has cleared all AEDs for sale - it’s the response of the rescuer.
In a “man down” situation at a workplace, the lay rescuer must have the confidence and the courage to act swiftly and decisively. This attitude comes only from preparation and training. Therefore, when you’re in the market for an AED, think more about readying potential rescuers than about what box will go on the wall. Yes, there are variations from one AED to the other. But a successful rescue must not be credited to the AED alone but to your overall AED program.
Even before the AEDs are put into place, a program needs to be created to help ensure that a rescue will run smoothly from day one and in years to come.
An AED program must support both the AED itself as well as those who will be using it. It is everyone’s hope that an AED will never have to be used. But if it needs to be pulled from the wall in an emergency, it needs to work and it needs to be in capable, confident hands.
A comprehensive AED program encompasses rescuer training as well as maintenance. Both man and machine need to be prepared and on call.