Buying a defibrillator can be easy if you are familar with the various types on the market. For most purchasers independant advice is difficult to access - The following guide should assist when choosing the correct type of AED for your and you practice.

The information below provides guidelines under several technical headings and should assist with choosing the correct type of automated external defibrillator (AED) for a particular user group. 

KEY TO STATUS INDICATORS

E - Essential,  This feature is considered to be an essential component / feature which is appropriate to the specific category of user

R - Recommended,  This feature is recommended as being appropriate to the category of user

O - Optional,  This feature should be at the discretion of purchaser / user

N - Not Recommended,  This feature is considered inappropriate for the category of user

PRE – HOSPITAL CARER CATEGORIES

FR - First Responder, Usually     a   Volunteer, Voluntary Organisation,Sports clubs, Schools

DP - Dental Practitioner,Dentist, Dental Nurse

GP - Registered Medical Practitioner

A NOMINAL SPECIFICATION NOTE 

A1 Easily identifiable as AED
 
To provide prompt access to AED 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A2 Portable
 
To facilitate transporting AED to/from various locations 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A3 Wall – mountable with alarm 

Visible and accessible where the risk of vandalism or theft is low 

GP - O, DP - O, FR - O.

A4 Carrying case appropriate for environment 

To protect AED from weather damage 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A5 Instruction manual plus optional CD/DVD 

Full user instructions as part of AED training 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A6 Abbreviated operating instructions included on or with AED  

Summary user instructions on opening AED 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A7 Push Button operation 

Clear, concise and unambiguous procedures 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A8 Automated self test 

To check AED readiness for operation 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A9 AED readiness indicator 

To confirm at a glance that AED is ready for use 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A10 Visual warning alarm if self test fails 

To alert user to rectify AED problem  

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A11 Audible warning if self test fails 

To alert user to rectify AED problem 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A12 Battery status indictor or low battery alert 

To alert user when battery needs to be replaced 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A13 Audio prompts 

To ensure user has clear instructions 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A14 Volume adjustable  

To facilitate AED use in noisy environment or for users with hearing impairment 

GP - O, DP - O, FR - O.

A15 Visual prompts 

To activate at a key intervention time 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

A16 High resolution screen 

Display written instructions to guide user through rescue 

GP - R, DP - N, FR - N.

A17 Shock counter display 

To display number of shocks delivered 

GP - O, DP - O, FR - O.

A18 All cables easy to connect/disconnect from AED, but sufficiently protected from accidental disconnection/ misconnection 

Durable cable connection will minimise damage from use 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

B TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION NOTE 

B1 Operation – automatic 

AED can shock a suitable rhythm without user intervention 

GP - N, DP - N, FR - N.

B2 Operation – Semi automatic (advisory)  

AED will analyse rhythm and prompt user to press ‘shock’ button 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

B3 Manual override included 

To allow user to switch to ‘manual’ mode to access certain features appropriate to his/her capability and training 

GP - O, DP - N, FR - N.

B4 Password for manual override 

To ensure that ‘manual’ mode is not accessed inappropriately 

GP - O, DP - N, FR - N.

B5 Biphasic technology 

Physiologically more appropriate that monophasic technology 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

B6 Time from analysis to shock advised < 10 s 

To minimise interval between rhythm analysis and shock delivery 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

B7 Time from shock advised to armed < 5 s 

To minimise interval between rhythm analysis and shock delivery 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

B8 Ability to give CPR during analysis (when technology become available) 

To allow uninterrupted delivery of CPR during analysis 

GP - R, DP - R, FR - R.

B9 Internal memory for event review 

To facilitate audit and review of events 

GP - R, DP - R, FR - R.

B10 Currently configured for 2005 ILCOR guidelines 

To ensure AED programmed to current international guidelines

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

B11 Configurable to any future ILCOR Guidelines 

To ensure AED will not become obsolete if Guidelines change 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

B12 Internal safety discharge (if shock cannot be delivered) 

To ensure safe discharge of shock if for any reason the shock is not delivered  

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

B13 Artefact detection 

The effects of pacemaker artefact and electrical interference are minimised 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

B14 Automatic analysis prompt

 
Rhythm analysed without user intervention 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

B15 CPR coaching 

Prompts user to carry out the correct rate and ratio of CPR 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

B16 Child smart pads 

To provide energy suitable for children < 8yrs 

GP - R, DP - R, FR - R.

B17 Pre connected Pads 

Pads are connected to the defibrillator to permit a decrease in risk of error and delivery of shock   

GP - R, DP - R, FR - R.

C - BATTERIES  

C1 Shelf life prior to installation specified  

To allow user to plan replacement battery 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

C2 Standby life specified  

To allow user to plan replacement battery 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

C3 Number of shocks / monitoring minutes delivered from fully charged battery on installation specified 

To monitor battery usage and life 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

C4 Minimum number of shocks /  monitoring minutes delivered after ‘low battery’ warning specified 

To monitor battery usage and life

 
GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

C5 Battery storage temperature parameters specified

 
Battery may not operate if stored outside specified temperature parameters 

GP - R, DP - R, FR - R.

D1 Disposable battery (battery must be changed if capacity depleted or battery is time expired) 

Guarantees delivery of a set number of shocks or monitoring time without risk of battery damage through frequent charging 

GP - R, DP - E, FR - E.

D2 Number of shocks delivered from disposable battery specified 

To prompt user when battery needs replacing 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.

D3 Spare disposable battery / batteries 

To allow user to replace a used battery 

GP - E, DP - E, FR - E.