What is an AED?
Defibrillators or AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) are safe, portable, medical devices that use electricity to shock the heart back into its normal heart rhythm in the event of a sudden Cardiac Arrest. These user-friendly, automated devices are specifically designed for easy public access, and simple enough for any bystander to use. AEDs are crucial to saving lives across the country in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, residences and public places. You can learn more about AEDs and their batteries here.
How to care for your AED and AED battery
AEDs require minimum to no maintenance, but it is still vital to the operation of your device to do a regular check of functions to assure readiness. Manufacturers provide recommendations and a suggested maintenance check schedule with your AED. These included, simple maintenance instructions should be followed and can greatly extend the life of your device. AEDs do automated self-checks, but it is still important to check your device and its accessories routinely to make sure your AED is "Rescue Ready" and working efficiently. This ensures your device's integrity and makes sure that you remain within state and manufacturer maintenance compliance standards.
When do I have to replace my AED battery?
AED batteries should be replaced every 2-5 years depending on the manufacturer. Most AED replacement batteries have a shelf life of up to 5 years. Each make and model have their own battery replacement date. Make sure you know yours and have a replacement ready!
How long do AED batteries last?
AED batteries and their replacement batteries have a Lithium Sulfur or Manganese chemistry which provides a stable, longer lasting power source, and higher voltage. Differing makes and models have varying features, but most AED batteries have a life of 2-5 years, while replacement batteries have a reliable shelf life of up to 5 years. These batteries are designed with a durable construction and high capacity to guarantee safe long-term storage whether in the back of law enforcement vehicles, ambulances or medical cabinets in hospitals and schools.
Why are AEDs important?
Defibrillators or AEDs are used to treat sudden Cardiac Arrest, which is the sudden interruption of the heart's electrical activity resulting in an abnormal heart rhythm called Ventricular Fibrillation (VF). If VF isn't corrected by shocking or defibrillating the heart (with an AED), the victim will most likely suffer severe brain damage or not survive the attack.
Each year, more than 350,000 Americans (including about 7,000 children) will experience a sudden Cardiac Arrest outside of hospital care, and unfortunately, almost 90% of them are fatal. Sudden Cardiac Arrests can affect any person, no matter what age, health risk or occupation. Although these attacks cannot be prevented, AEDs provide the only treatment for these emergencies and can prevent Sudden Cardiac death if the arrest is treated properly and quickly.
Where are AEDs located and who can use them?
AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) are made with non medical professionals in mind. These devices are automated, providing visual and voice step-by-step instructions on how and when to properly use one. They are simple enough so that any bystander could easily use one if need be. The moment you turn the AED on, it will give you clear commands on where to place the electrode pads, reminds you to call 911, and will walk you through the entire process. The device will only shock if the AED analyzes a shockable rhythm.
AEDs were designed so that they could be placed and clearly marked in public spaces so that any bystander or non medical professional can easily use them to treat a sudden Cardiac Arrest. Every state has made laws and regulations that require public spaces and schools to have AEDs available. These were put into effect to prevent sudden Cardiac Deaths and neurological damage resulting from a sudden Cardiac Arrest. These same sets of regulations and laws also protect bystanders and non medical professionals that respond to such emergencies and use publicly placed AEDs with the "Good Samaritan" law. You can now find AEDs in airports, public golf courses, schools, federal buildings, large public spaces, and even large companies with campuses of their own. Make sure that your AED has a back up battery before your battery replacement date arrives so that your device has no interruption in service. Battery Junction now has the life-saving power you need for reasonable prices and fast shipping.