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3-minute read

Whether you’re a school principal, safety official, general manager at a fast food franchise or serve in the hospitality industry, adding an automated external defibrillator (AED) is an easy, essential and often overlooked step for your work safety program.

Approximately 350,000 cases of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occur outside of the hospital each year in the United States.¹ AEDs are lightweight, portable devices designed to help save people experiencing SCA in public and can be used on children, teens and adults. Even minimally trained bystanders can easily operate them by following audible and visual instructions during an emergency.

But not all AEDs are equal— defibrillators come in different shapes, sizes and capabilities. How can you make sure to purchase the right device for your workplace? 

5 standards to follow when purchasing an AED

An effective AED program is a critical link in the chain of survival, empowering you to deliver lifesaving intervention even before emergency services arrive.

Stryker offers diverse options to help you choose the right defibrillator for your employees and customers. When purchasing AEDs for your organization, consider these features: 

1. Ease of use

Choose an AED that uses simple graphics, audible instructions and automated features to help users remain focused. Clear visual and voice prompts guide rescuers through the entire CPR process.
 

2. Readiness

Battery not charged? AED not where it’s supposed to be? These are common issues with devices in public spaces. Purchase an AED that connects to Wi-Fi® and can be set up to alert you to things that may affect device readiness—all automatically.
 

3. Connectivity and technology

Integrated Wi-Fi connectivity can give emergency responders a view into each cardiac arrest event. So even before they arrive, emergency professionals are better prepared and understand the details of the shocks given, see the patient’s ECG and more.

Stryker’s LIFEPAK CR2 defibrillator is the first and only AED that allows chest compressions during ECG rhythm analysis, reducing pauses between CPR and defibrillation using cprINSIGHTâ„¢ analysis technology. Once CPR begins, the device automatically analyzes and detects if a shock is needed. This significantly reduces pauses in chest compressions, even eliminating pauses if the rhythm is determined to be non-shockable.
 

4. Affordability

It’s not just the initial cost of the device you need to consider. Think about long-term maintenance, accessory expiration dates and the cost of hiring someone to maintain your fleet. HeartSine AEDs come with the innovative Pad-Pak— an integrated battery and electrode single-use cartridge with one expiration date, simplifying AED maintenance. With a shelf life of four years from date of manufacture, the Pad-Pak offers significant savings over other defibrillators that require separate battery and electrode replacements.
 

5. Size and durability

Most public spaces need a device with a smaller footprint that accommodates limited space in an office, plane or vehicle. Check for an IP56 rating, which is the industry's highest level of protection against dust and water in AEDs. 

Together, we save lives.

When one of your customers or employees collapses from SCA, time is of the essence. Reducing response time by even one or two minutes from collapse to AED shock can mean the difference between death and survival.²

Help keep your workplace safe with Stryker’s full line of defibrillators. With the right solution for all public places, we can help improve SCA survival rates in your community.

Contact an AED expert today to learn more about your device options and how they can help your organization.