Buying an AED
Looking to buy a device that could really be the difference between life or death but not sure which AED brand or model to choose? Congratulations, you’re in the right place.
When buying something as important as an AED, you need to make sure that you’re getting a high quality product from a reputable maker. Which AED brands are best? That depends on your needs and budget, but we’ll be covering all of the top options in this article and going over the important variables like size, operation features, buying options, water resistance, and more.
What is an AED?
First of all, let’s briefly explain what an AED is and what it does. AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, and it’s a medical device that is becoming ever more commonplace in offices and work environments around the world.
AEDs are used on people who are experiencing cardiac arrest. This incredible medical device can analyze the rhythm of their heart and deliver electrical shocks that help get the rhythm back to normal if abnormalities are detected.
They’re super powerful, cost-effective medical devices that are well worth having in any public area, since the initial cost for the potential benefit (keeping someone alive!) pales into insignificance.
Locations that choose to keep an AED on-hand will often also have people who are trained in CPR and first aid around as well. CPREdu has years of experience offering this kind of training – read more about our first aid courses here.
Which are the Top AED brands?
As a CPR and first-aid focussed company that has been delivering training and advice for years, we know more than a thing or two about AEDs and AED brands. We’ve worked with all sorts of models over the years, and we find the best come from:
HEARTSINE
Their products are known for being lightweight, highly durable, super easy to maintain, and easy to use. This is what makes Heartsine an outstanding choice for small businesses and families alike.
DEFIBTECH
The sublime marriage of simplicity and ease of use with unexpectedly high-tech features such as video screens and upgradability are what makes Defibtech one of our favorites.
ZOLL
A highly reputable option, Zoll is particularly favored by emergency medical professionals. Zoll has great branding and AEDs that do them justice. This AED maker is a true pioneer of AEDs for EMS.
PHILIPS
Philips’ expertise is not limited to toothbrushes – they’re the biggest name in the AED world and their HeartStart CPR line is renowned for its quality (they’re actually our top picks – see below!). They offer a comprehensive range of reliable life-saving products, and that’s why Philips may be the most recognized name amongst leading AED brands on the defibrillator scene.
PHYSIO-CONTROL (AKA Stryker)
Physio-Control/Stryker were one of the first AED makers in the business, and their products are still easy-to-use, reliable options. The fact that EMTs have been seeing success using Physio-Control AED’s for years and the trend is still growing stands as an indisputable testament to their quality.
The Best All-Rounder AED: Our Top Pick
Philips HeartStart OnSite AED
Philips is a global brand recognized for producing quality products, and their track record with their AEDs is just as good.
We’ve used Philips HeartStart AEDs in our training and recommended them to clients for years, and that’s simply because they’re extremely solid, reliable all-rounder AEDs that we can trust to get the job done.
They have several AEDs for slightly different purposes, but for the best public all-rounder, you can’t go wrong with the Philips HeartStart OnSite.
Advertised as being “for the ordinary person in the extraordinary moment“, it’s a machine that even normal people with no medical training should be able to operate with relative ease, making it perfect for offices, schools, pools, you name it.
Features
Always ready to go thanks to intelligent positioning and battery installation
Includes guiding features and built-in voice instructions
Conducts daily, weekly, and monthly tests – very low chance of unexpected issues at critical moments
Automatically detects if patient is a child and adjusts instructions and energy levels accordingly
Pricing and Where to Buy
We sell Philips HeartStart AEDs at significantly less than the minimum recommended price (so low that we’re not actually allowed to put our prices online). You can read more here or get in touch for the prices here.
The Best Rugged AED
Philips HeartStart FR3 AED
Another partner in lifesaving from Philips‘ HeartStart line, the FR3 is an excellent choice that can take a beating.
Designed to military standards, the FR3 is rugged, fast and ready to go with minimal steps. It turns on when opened and has electrodes pre-connected for rapid deployment.
It can be used on adults and children alike and is small and lightweight. This machine represents the gold standard of automated defibrillators.
Features
Very durable – passed a 1,100 pound crush test and meets IP55 rating for resistance to dust and jetting water
Can quickly disconnect from the FR3 and reconnect to the HeartStart MRx for a fast hand-off to the next level of care
Delivers patient-specific guidance for the most appropriate initial therapy
Surprisingly lightweight and can be deployed in tight spots
Pricing and Where to Buy
We sell Philips HeartStart AEDs at significantly less than the minimum recommended price (so low that we’re not actually allowed to put our prices online). You can read more here or get in touch for the prices here.
The Best AED For Extreme Temperatures
Zoll AED 3
If you’re going to be using your AED in a place with more extreme temperatures – either hot or cold – you have an extra consideration to make in your choice. Extreme heat or cold can affect the way technology works, and medical devices are no different.
Zoll is one of only two manufacturers that offer AEDs catering to abnormal operating temperatures (the other being Physio-Control/Stryker). The Zoll AED 3 can be safely stored at an incredible range, from -22° all the way up to 158°F, so whether you’re up a mountain or in a desert, this will be your best bet.
Features
Provides real-time feedback to guide rescuers in delivering high-quality CPR
Patented CPR Uni-padz® electrodes give rescuers a single solution for both adult and pediatric victims of SCA (though the mode must be manually switched)
WiFi Connectivity – this AED can be connected to the cloud for automatic reporting of the device’s status and to speedily transmit SCA event data
Intuitive touchscreen controls allowing quick access to AED information
Pricing and Where to Buy
We sell Zoll AEDs at significantly less than the minimum recommended price (so low that we’re not actually allowed to put our prices online). You can read more here or get in touch for the prices here.
The Best AED For Travel
HeartSine Samaritan PAD
A sudden cardiac arrest event is the last thing you want when you’re on the go or travelling, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for it, especially if you’re with vulnerable people.
For travel, the most important factors are going to be size and weight, and how those things balance with overall durability. With this in mind, the HeartSine Samaritan PADs are our top pick.
The 350P, 360P, 450P are similar models and all suitable for the job, only differing in the details. All are designed with user-friendliness and portability in mind.
Features
Highly visible color schemes and convenient handles make it easy to carry quickly and hard to lose
Integrated WiFi connectivity
Super compact design and and lightweight at less than 3lbs
IP56 protection – one of the highest ratings in the industry for protection against dust and water
Pricing and Where to Buy
We sell HeartSine AEDs at significantly less than the minimum recommended price (so low that we’re not actually allowed to put our prices online). You can read more here or get in touch for the prices here.
The Best AED For Families and Children
LifePak CR2
If you’re a parent or guardian with a vulnerable child, or even if you just want to be extra sure that the home is a safe environment ready to deal with any emergency, buying an AED will mean making a wise decision.
There aren’t any AEDs made specifically for using on children or younger people, but there are numerous one with features that can make the job slightly easier or at least more approachable for parents and untrained adults.
The best AED for this scenario will include CPR coaching and easily accessible child settings – and that’s what the LifePak CR2 offers. Their QUIK-STEP electrode pads can be used on children with just the press of a button, and their CPR coaching and the energy the machine delivers will be adjusted to be suitable for smaller bodies.
Features
Wi-Fi connectivity and continuous self-monitoring for reliable deployment
The only AED currently available that allows chest compressions during electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm analysis, reducing pauses between CPR and defibrillation
Dual language capabilities and ClearVoice technology help users understand and hear voice prompts
Manufacturer claims that it is the rated highest in overall user confidence by AED users
Pricing and Where to Buy
We sell LifePak AEDs at significantly less than the minimum recommended price (so low that we’re not actually allowed to put our prices online). You can read more here or get in touch for the prices here.
The Best AED For Those on a Tight Budget!
Used AEDs
At the end of the day, any AED will be a whole lot better than no AED in the event of a cardiac emergency, and all of them should be able to get the job done if used appropriately.
If you just don’t have the kind of budget that will stretch to cover a new Automated External Defibrillator – even if you buy one from us at a heavily discounted price – consider buying a used one.
Of course, it’s very important that you buy from a reputable dealer who can guarantee that everything is functioning correctly. This is not like buying a second-hand gadget off of Craigslist – carelessness in purchasing could lead to much more than just money being lost later on down the line…
Need More Advice?
Our trusted CPR Education employees can help you figure out the right AED for your needs.
Not only are we experienced in using AEDs, we’re also well versed in determining which the most appropriate products are for any given company or individual.
Whether you’re Fortune 500 company or a homecare provider, one of our friendly experts will personally assist you in making your choice. Ring us on 925 335 6076 today to begin the conversation.