At the time of cardiac arrest, every second matters if you want to save the patient’s life. For a defibrillator to be effective, it must be accessible and easy to use promptly. When a person is in a potentially fatal condition known as cardiac arrest, the sooner they receive defibrillation, the better their chances of surviving the condition are going to be.
Remember that not all defibrillators are created equal, and it is your responsibility as an organisation to learn about the various models available and choose the one that will perform best in your workplace or public space. Lifepak defibrillators are a life-saving tool that should be as commonplace as fire extinguishers. With so many alternatives on the market, finding the proper defibrillator (AED) for your needs can be challenging. In light of the importance of this purchase, this post has some helpful suggestions to aid you in your decision.
Automatic or Semi-Automatic
It is important to assess the community and the patient’s needs before purchasing a defibrillator. A fully-automated or semi-automated defibrillator may be necessary. Thus, it’s important to know the difference. Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) can monitor the patient’s heart rate and shock them without human intervention. That’s right. The AED can deliver a shock all on its own without needing a person to press any buttons. Semi-automatic AEDs need a user to manually initiate the shock delivery process. The responder must utilise it to deliver the shock to the patient during cardiac arrest, slowing down the treatment time. Both of these automated external defibrillators (AEDs) work quite well.
Ease of Use
You should purchase defibrillators with simple instructions and simplicity in mind because of the high stress and confusion that can accompany emergencies. Products like Lifepak defibrillators have many of the same features and operations, but few key distinctions exist. Ensure the gadget is rescue-ready by checking for features like straightforward audio or visual instructions to lead rescuers through the complete CPR process, support for many languages, automated features, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, and a status indicator.
Maintenance
Keeping your AED in top shape should require as little effort as possible. Look for self-monitoring equipment that can tell you if they require service, replacements, or software upgrades. Consult the user manual to understand how involved the upkeep is for certain devices. Always go with a trusted manufacturer who backs up their defibrillators with easy access to service plans.
Fine Print of the Guarantee
It’s important to read the fine print of any manufacturer’s warranty, as they may only cover particular components or apply under certain circumstances. Choose a defibrillator with a warranty that works for you and explicitly explains what it covers and doesn’t, in what situations, and for how long.
IP Number
When searching for an automated external defibrillator (AED) in Australia, you may come across the term “IP rating” (for “Ingress Protection”). To classify how well the device is protected from moisture, dust, and other intrusions that can damage its performance, every AED is given an IP rating. Higher IP ratings are required for outdoors or multi-environment defibrillators, whereas lower IP ratings are sufficient for indoor AEDs.
Complementary Items
With a fully charged battery and a set of electrode pads, your AED will be ready to use in any situation. Before you acquire a defibrillator, ensure you know if it comes with a storage container, mounting station, wall bracket, or cabinet. Is there more than one set of pads included, or is there only one? Make sure to get child-sized pads if they are needed because electrode pads and shock intensities on Lifepak Defibrillators designed for kids are different from those on adult-sized ones. A face shield or pocket mask, tuff cut scissors, gloves, a surgical razor, and a towel should be part of your “AED Kit,” which should also contain a defibrillator.
