With the increasing awareness of the life-saving potential of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), more people are investing in these critical devices for their homes and businesses. But with so many models available, how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when selecting the best AED for your needs, ensuring you’re prepared in the event of a sudden cardiac emergency.

Ease of Use

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing an AED is how easy it is to use. Most AEDs are designed with simplicity in mind, but some models like the ZOLL AED Plus offer more intuitive features than others. Look for devices with:

Clear Voice Prompts: The AED should guide the user through each step of the process with clear, easy-to-understand voice instructions.

Visual Cues: In loud environments, visual prompts can help ensure the correct usage of the device.

CPR Feedback: The ZOLL AED Plus provides verbal and visual real time feedback, to your compressions, ensuring correct depth and rate to increase the patient’s chance of survival.

Durability and Portability

If you’re purchasing an AED for a workplace, school, or sports facility, you’ll want to choose a model that is both durable and portable. Here are some features to look for:

Waterproof and Dustproof Ratings: AEDs with an IP rating of 55 or higher are recommended for outdoor or harsh environments.

Battery Life: Long-lasting batteries are essential for AEDs in areas where they might not be used frequently. Look for devices with a battery life of four years or more.

Compact Design: In fast-paced environments, a lightweight and portable AED is essential for easy accessibility.

Maintenance and Warranty

AEDs need regular maintenance to ensure they’re ready to use in an emergency. Many modern AEDs come with self-check features that monitor the device’s readiness, but it’s important to consider the following:

Self-Diagnostics: Look for AEDs that perform daily, weekly, or monthly self-checks to ensure the device and its components (such as the pads and battery) are functioning properly – this also means a cost saving by not having to pay for expensive third party yearly services.

Warranty: Consider the length of the warranty and what it covers—this can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected issues.

Cost of Replacement Pads and Batteries: Be aware of the ongoing costs of maintaining your AED, as pads and batteries will need to be replaced periodically, even if the device is not used. Cheaper Chinese made/imported AEDs can be harder to source replacement pads & batteries for.

Special Features

Some AEDs come with additional features that can be particularly useful in specific situations:

Pediatric Mode or Pads: If you’re purchasing an AED for a school, daycare, or any location where children are present, you may want to choose a model with a paediatric mode or separate paediatric pads designed for use on younger patients. These pads fit a child’s smaller chest better, as well as lower the shock rate.

CPR Feedback: AEDs like the ZOLL AED Plus offer real time CPR feedback, guiding users to perform chest compressions at the correct depth and rate. This feature can be especially helpful for those who may be untrained in CPR.

Regulatory Approval

Ensure the AED you are purchasing complies with New Zealand’s regulatory requirements. Devices that meet these standards are guaranteed to be safe and effective for use during a cardiac emergency.

FDA Approval: AEDs that are FDA approved have undergone rigourous testing and certification to prove their clinical claims are true, and guarantee the device you are purchasing will do what it says.

MedSafe Certification: Check that the AED you choose is certified by MedSafe, the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority. This ensures it meets the necessary safety standards.

TGA Approval: AEDs sold in New Zealand should also be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia, guaranteeing they meet international safety and performance criteria.

Cost and Budget Considerations

While AEDs can vary in price, it’s essential to weigh the cost against the features and reliability of the device. Lower-cost AEDs are often made lacking features that are critical to improving the chance of patient survival – such as real time CPR feedback – as well as the consumables often costing more long term.

Conclusion: Which AED is Right for You?

At AED NZ, we recommend the ZOLL AED Plus for homes, businesses, and public spaces across New Zealand. Explore our range of AEDs at www.aednz.co.nz and find the perfect defibrillator to protect your loved ones or employees today.

We recommend the ZOLL AED Plus Defibrillator

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in New Zealand, affecting over 1,500 Kiwis every year. Immediate response is crucial—without timely intervention, survival rates drop drastically with each passing minute. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices that can drastically improve the chances of survival by delivering a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

What is an AED?

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a portable device designed to diagnose and treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. It is easy to use, with clear, step-by-step voice instructions, making it accessible even for those with no medical training. When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, an AED can be the difference between life and death.

Why Should Every Home and Workplace in New Zealand Have an AED?

Rapid Response Saves Lives
In cases of SCA, time is everything. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival decreases by about 10%. Having an AED on hand allows you to respond quickly, before emergency services arrive.

AEDs Are Easy to Use
Modern AEDs are equipped with voice prompts, making them simple to operate even for non-medical personnel. The device guides you through every step, from attaching the pads to delivering the shock.

They Are More Affordable Than You Think
The cost of an AED is a small price to pay compared to the value of a life. Our range of AEDs includes budget-friendly options, ensuring every household and workplace in New Zealand can have access to these essential devices.

Legal Protection for AED Users
In New Zealand, the Good Samaritan law protects individuals who use AEDs in emergencies, meaning you cannot be prosecuted for acting in good faith.

AEDs in Workplaces Save Lives and Boost Safety Compliance
Having an AED on-site demonstrates a strong commitment to health and safety, reducing risks in environments where heart-related incidents could occur. It’s an investment that not only saves lives but may also enhance workplace safety compliance.

When Should You Use an AED?

An AED should be used when someone suddenly collapses, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally. In such cases, every second counts, and using an AED as soon as possible dramatically increases the victim’s chance of survival.

FAQs About AEDs in New Zealand

Can anyone use an AED?
Yes, AEDs are designed for use by the general public, with straightforward audio and visual instructions to guide you through the process.

How do I maintain an AED?
Most AEDs perform regular self-checks and will alert you when maintenance is needed. Regularly check your AED’s battery and pad expiration dates to ensure it’s always ready for use.

Do I need training to use an AED?
While formal training can boost confidence, AEDs are designed to be used by anyone, regardless of training. However, taking a first aid course that includes AED use can help you respond more effectively in an emergency.

Where should I store my AED?
AEDs should be stored in easily accessible locations, both in homes and workplaces. It’s essential that everyone knows where the device is located and how to use it.

Ready to Protect Your Loved Ones or Employees?

At AED NZ, we offer a wide range of AEDs to suit your needs, whether it’s for personal use, workplace safety, or public spaces. We are committed to making defibrillators more accessible across New Zealand, ensuring that every Kiwi has the tools to save a life.

Visit our online store at www.aednz.co.nz to find the right AED for your home or workplace, and protect the people who matter most.

We recommend the ZOLL AED Plus Defibrillator

In the world of emergency medical equipment, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) stand out as indispensable devices capable of saving lives during sudden cardiac arrests (SCAs). However, despite their proven effectiveness, several misconceptions persist about these life-saving tools. Let’s debunk some of the common myths surrounding AEDs and explore why investing in them is crucial for increasing survival rates when dealing with sudden cardiac arrest.

1. Myth: AEDs Are Complicated to Use

One of the most prevalent misconceptions about AEDs is that they require extensive training and expertise to operate. In reality, modern AEDs are designed with user-friendliness in mind. With clear voice prompts and simple instructions, these devices guide even untrained bystanders through the defibrillation process step by step. Studies have shown that individuals with no prior medical experience can effectively use an AED to deliver timely and potentially life-saving treatment during emergencies.

The ZOLL AED Plus we supply talks to you through the entire rescue, telling you what to do each step of the way, as well as providing real-time feedback to your CPR, ensuring you are pressing hard enough and fast enough – it doesn’t get much easier than that!

2. Myth: AEDs Can Cause Harm

There is a common fear that using an AED can potentially harm the individual experiencing a cardiac emergency. However, AEDs are equipped with built-in safety features and algorithms that analyze the heart rhythm and deliver shocks only when necessary. These devices are programmed to assess the patient’s condition accurately and deliver controlled electric shocks to restore normal heart rhythm. When used correctly, AEDs pose minimal risk and significantly increase the chances of survival for individuals in cardiac arrest.

3. Myth: AEDs Are Only Needed in Healthcare Settings

While AEDs are commonly associated with hospitals and medical facilities, their importance extends far beyond clinical settings. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur anywhere, at any time, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Therefore, the presence of AEDs in public spaces, schools, workplaces, and community centres is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes. Placing AEDs in easily accessible locations ensures that help is immediately available when a cardiac emergency strikes, potentially saving precious minutes and lives.

4. Myth: AEDs Are Expensive and Not Worth the Investment

Some individuals may hesitate to invest in AEDs due to concerns about cost-effectiveness. However, when compared to the potential cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, or loss of life resulting from cardiac emergencies, the value of AEDs becomes evident. When viewed as a life-saving investment, the benefits of owning an AED far outweigh the initial expense – can you afford not to save a life?

5. Myth: AEDs Are Only for Healthcare Professionals

Another misconception is that only trained medical professionals can use AEDs effectively. In reality, AEDs are designed for use by individuals with varying levels of medical knowledge, including bystanders and laypersons. Basic training in CPR and AED use can enhance confidence and preparedness in responding to cardiac emergencies, but it is not a prerequisite for using an AED. By empowering communities with access to AEDs and education on their use, we can create safer environments and increase survival rates for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

Conclusion

Dispelling myths and misconceptions about AEDs is essential for promoting their widespread adoption and enhancing community safety. These life-saving devices are user-friendly, safe, and invaluable in increasing the chances of survival during cardiac emergencies. By investing in AEDs and raising awareness about their importance, we can empower individuals and communities to respond effectively to sudden cardiac arrest and save lives.

Don’t let misconceptions deter you from taking proactive steps to enhance safety and well-being in your community. Explore the benefits of AED ownership and join the movement towards creating heart-safe environments where everyone has the opportunity to survive sudden cardiac arrest.

We recommend the ZOLL AED Plus Defibrillator