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Did you know that if a defibrillator is used within the first 5 minutes of a cardiac arrest, the victim’s chance of survival can increase by up to 90%?
You see, having a defibrillator at hand can make a whole lot of difference in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. However, as important as these devices are when saving lives, you can just trust any device available in medical stores.
A low-quality defibrillator might fail to deliver the necessary shock, leading to ineffective resuscitation. They are also prone to malfunction, putting a high risk of dangerous electric shocks. And if we are being honest, no one would like to be in such a situation during an emergency. That being the case, this article will shed light on critical factors to consider when choosing a defibrillator to avoid such risks. Stick around to learn more!
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Defibrillator
The Intended Use
First things first, knowing how and where you intend to use it can help determine which type of defibrillator works for you. AED comes in various sizes, weights, and IP ratings (International Protection Rating).
Every environment demands a unique defibrillator to meet the demands of those present. For example, if you want a school defibrillator, you need a device integrated with a child mode switch. This is because kids at school need less shock than adults.
Moreover, you need to determine the usability of the defibrillator. While most people don’t need training to use a defibrillator, it is always wise to have a device with user-friendly features for more effectiveness during an emergency. Zoll defibrillators feature a range of user-friendly features, including clear visual and audio prompts, user-friendly interfaces and intuitive operation. They also provide comprehensive monitoring to help assess the victim’s heart rhythm and real-time CPR feedback to help users gauge their experience in delivering shocks.
Portability
The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned money on an AED defibrillator that will be hard to carry during an emergency. You see, cardiac arrests can occur at any place. That said, bystanders are expected to fetch the defibrillator as fast as possible to help administer shock within the first 5 minutes. If you purchase a heavy-weight defibrillator, it may not be effective for emergencies away from the storage area. We recommend getting a defibrillator that is relatively easy for everyone within that specific environment to carry.
The good thing about Zoll defibrillators is that they give you a wide variety of devices. Like the AED Pro by Zoll, which weighs 2.9 kg, it has a longer battery life and needs replacement after 5 years. You can also consider the AED Plus; while it’s a bit heavier than the AED Pro, it comes with CPR-D-pads, which can also administer shock to adults and children.
Maintenance Requirements
When it comes to buying quality AED defibrillators, you need to go beyond the upfront costs. What are the maintenance costs and requirements? This is a question every buyer should be able to answer before making a purchase. You see, some defibrillators may have low upfront costs and high maintenance costs. If you are looking for a long-term investment, buying such a defibrillator may not be the best choice.
To assess the maintenance cost of the shock device before making a purchase, consider the battery life of the defibrillator. Batteries are the heart of AED defibrillators. That said, you want to go for a battery with a longer lifespan. Other vital factors to consider include the replacement of cables and pads. Cheap AED defibrillators feature cables and pads that quickly wear out within a short period. Zoll defibrillators offer an extended lifespan without compromising the functionality of cables and pads.
Cost Considerations
While not everything has to be a financial decision, buying a new AED defibrillator demands financial consideration. Most defibrillators come in different sizes, which means they also come with unique advantages and limitations. Whether you are going full-automatic or semi-automatic, you need to set a budget for your facility. The price of AED defibrillators in the Australian markets ranges between $ 1494 -$ 3,095.
If you want a device that is worth the value of your money, consider the long-term repercussions. An AED defibrillator may be cheap to purchase; however, the maintenance costs may exceed the actual price of the device in the long run. Cheap is always expensive. Thus, it is best to invest more money at the start and save more in the future.
Effective Resuscitation
The work of an AED defibrillator is to deliver shock during a cardiac arrest, increasing the chance of survival in victims. Now, there is no point in getting a defibrillator that will not get the job done right. That being said, you need to consider the intensity of the shock before making a purchase. The shock level of most effective defibrillators is usually 120 joules to 360 joules.
Bonus Tip: If the manufacturer’s recommended dose is unavailable, the Associates of the Institute of Hospital Administrators (AHA) recommends giving the maximum available dose.
Storage and Environment
Where you plan to store the defibrillator and the work environment significantly impact the type of AED you want to go for. If you plan to store your defibrillator outside, consider going for a weather-resistant defibrillator. Moreover, if the defibrillator is meant to be used in an office or school, consider the different sizes, weights and IP ratings to choose one that meets your environmental needs.
Zoll AED defibrillators are made of high-quality materials, making them more resistant to harsh climatic conditions, including high temperatures and heavy rains. They are also available in a variety of sizes and weights. Thus, you can always choose a design that works well with your target audience.
As we wind up, we hope you are confident to purchase the right defibrillator for your facility from one of the best automated external defibrillator suppliers. If you are willing to spend an arm and a leg on an effective defibrillator, you can never go wrong with Zoll defibrillators. The feature offers user-friendly features and an extended life span, making it a worthy investment. We hope you choose the best device!
