A recent Red Cross Lifesaving Award recipient exemplifies the importance of having the right skills and tools. Amy is the trainer at the local high school and observed a spectator at a soccer game suddenly collapse from cardiac arrest. She began CPR and directed others to call 9-1-1 and get the AED device. The skills she learned and having an AED on hand saved a life that day.
Looking to buy an AED?
An AED or automated external defibrillator is a medical device for use in the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. An AED machine is a sophisticated first aid unit designed to save lives. There are a number of various sources for purchase of an AED device:
Related: Can I buy an AED?
AEDs can be purchased at
We provide examples and look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of AED retailer below.
There may be many cases when it is preferable to look locally for an AED to purchase. A situation may arise in which an AED is needed quickly, for a sports team, group outing (especially among seniors or other likely “at-risk” groups) or for a church or other organization sponsoring an upcoming activity. In this situation, getting a unit ASAP may be the priority over cost or getting the ideal unit for the situation.
When purchasing a single basic AED for personal or small group use, program planning and program management aspects of AEDs do not come into play. Only when purchasing AEDs which must meet the requirements of large businesses, schools, or other organizations is the help of a specialized retailer with knowledgeable expert purchasing guidance and technical support absolutely required.
When a basic purchase is all that is necessary the buy can be completed simply and the AED in hand right away. If one can be found at a big box store, personal service may be a missing element, but many offer no-hassle returns if you decide to go a different direction. At this level, prices are similar across the field of available AEDs, so comparing prices is not a major factor. Small local retailers may charge more for an AED, where a big-box store may be inline with an Online retailer depending on the unit.
Basic AEDs, though not rich in features, are still of high quality if made by a known company. FDA approval of an AEDs design and end product must be given before it can be sold. This ensures that all AEDs produced function well and are reliable. While a wide selection of AED brands and styles will typically not be available in run of the mill small or medium-sized town, any straightforward unit that can be found for sale locally will do in a pinch. Typically, selection and features are far less important in this case.
Perhaps you are the one designated to equip your organization with one or more AEDs. In order to make a proper choice, there are many questions to be answered:
Once one moves beyond needing to purchase just one basic AED, the selection of AEDs becomes overwhelming in scope. Even after taking the step of consulting a buyer’s guide, the potential customer needs the help of an AED expert with current knowledge of available AEDs, types of installation, maintenance programs, etc. Study of a buyer’s guide is an all important first step, but guidance is still needed in making a choice that fits the specific situation–be it service, organization, or business type–in which the AED will be used.
Even if you’re an individual buying a single AED or a small batch of AEDs, purchasing from a specialized retailer will often provide benefits in areas of price, product selection/features required, and unit availability, along with knowledgeable support staff.
For more information, please visit Jousing Medical.
AED packages have grown in popularity in recent years as they provide a cost-savings over purchasing an AED and then adding needed defibrillator accessories such as an AED cabinet, extra AED pads, batteries, AED carrying case, etc. If you’re on a budget and less familiar with AEDs and the associated supplies needed, we’d recommend considering an AED package.
Often, customers wonder if purchasing a used AED is a good idea. With some caveats to consider in order to make a wise purchase, the lower prices on refurbished AEDs can make acquiring an AED affordable for those who want one for personal use. Also, buying a refurbished unit can bring a higher level machine into reach if more ruggedness or advanced features are desired.
There are many reliable sources for refurbished AEDs, so it is not necessary to take a “shot in the dark” when buying a used unit. Just because a unit is being resold does not mean it is old, damaged, or worn out. Portable defibrillators that are relatively new can be had due to lease programs in which the vendor swaps out slightly used AED units for new ones. The used units are tested and recertified for sale at nearly one half the new price.
Be sure to purchase any used machine from a trustworthy source. Make certain a refurbished AED has undergone a certified biomedical technician test and has FDA pre-market approval. Ask questions about the history of the unit, its expected life and availability of accessories. These steps will help assure that you are getting a reliable unit.
While refurbished AEDs can be a very good purchase, watch out for these possible problems if you choose to buy a refurbished model:
Recertified AEDs from Heartsmart go through a 10-point inspection process conducted by our certified AED technicians. These units will be “like new”, but will have had a previous life as a demo unit, been taken as a trade-in, or connected to a buy-back program. Recertified AEDs can be great choices if you’re on a budget–especially if the AED will be used infrequently.
Our recertified AEDs come with a 3-year warranty.
Various specialty retailers will carry used AEDs for sale. The current models are available through our store (updated 8-22-)
Automated external defibrillators can be deployed by most anyone who can recognize sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and begin taking life saving measures. Such a device is used by medical personnel in hospitals or on emergency medical teams, but can also be used by a whole range of responders–police, sports trainers, school personnel, public bystanders, youngsters, etc. (SCA, in which the heart ceases to beat properly, is distinguished from a heart attack, which is the loss of blood flow to the heart. An SCA victim also loses consciousness, while this is not necessarily true when a heart attack occurs.)
While they are sophisticated devices, today’s AED units are designed for a wide range of users. First responders with proper CPR/AED training know how to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation and activate AED machines to analyze a victim’s heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if ventricular fibrillation is detected. From the simplest defibrillator to the best automated external defibrillators with extra user feedback and capabilities, all can be used without immediate medical direction. Deploying any of these AED devices is as simple as opening the lid and/or pushing a start button.
Aware of the benefits of having AEDs readily available for public safety, some smaller jurisdictions have enacted local laws with various requirements for AED stations, AED maintenance, etc. Defibrillators have thus been added to first aid stations that previously only included first aid items such as a bleeding control kit, CPR devices, etc., but are now prepared with an AED unit as well.
AEDs are now found in most any facility, whether a business, school, sports facility, government building, or other public venue. They have been purchased by many organizations and are kept ready for emergency use in case of cardiac arrest.
Want more information on aed defibrillator portable? Feel free to contact us.