First Rate Equipment for First Responders, Paramedics, EMTs, and EMS
Your community relies on you to be prepared in case of a cardiac emergency, so you need medical equipment you can count on. We stock transport-grade capital equipment for emergency responders, but today we want to focus on AEDs.
We help hundreds of ambulance services, fire departments, community paramedics, first responders, law enforcement, and other BLS first responders equipped with AEDs. We often field questions about AEDs in first response situations, for example: How much will an AED cost my service? What AED is durable enough for constant use? What AED is the most cost-effective to maintain? What AED features should my BLS service consider? How many AEDs does my facility need? How can I install an AED in my community park, school, church, or public area? We’ll do our best to answer all these questions and more.
AEDs for First Responders
Types of AEDs
AEDs come in all shapes and sizes but all are designed to be used by either an untrained bystander or a trained medical professional to deliver a life-saving shock in a critical situation. However, AEDs have specific features that make them ideal for certain settings. For a situation where a tough, rugged unit is needed with quick time-to-shock and simple interface, like for First Responders, we recommend the Zoll AED Plus, Cardiac Science G5, or Philips FRx. These AEDs have a low long-term cost of ownership and come with features ideal for the First Response environment:
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New AED,Rescue-Ready out of the box
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Durable unit that can take a beating from a transport situation, frequent use, or a medical go-bag
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Simple interface. Designed with ease-of-use in mind
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(optional) Pediatric Pads or Key to easily switch to a child-safe shock level
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A timed metronomeguides rescuers on CPRtempo
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4-Year batterylife (industry standard: 2 years)
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Eight-Year manufacturer warranty(longest in the industry)
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Daily, weekly, and monthly self-tests foreasy maintenance
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AEDCarrying Caseincluded for increased durability and easy transport
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First Aid Kitincluded
Maintenance Plan:
To ensure your AED is working and ready to save a life, the AED must be stored and maintained properly. These AEDs perform regular self-checks and will signal when something is wrong. However, it’s recommended you check on your AED monthly, keeping a record of annual maintenance, expiration dates of critical accessories and self-checks.
- Check the green readiness indicator on the top right of your device
- Listen for chirping or beeping sounds indicating an issue with the device
- Ensure the pads and batteries are within their usable dates, reordering if either is about to expire.
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Send your AEDs to a biomedical service provider for an annual Preventative Maintenance check-up. Trained and certified technicians will clean your device, ensure it passes all tests, and alert you to any needed repairs or issues.
Featured AEDs
HEARTSTART FRX AED
The Philips FRx AED is a lightweight, tough, reliable device providing step-by-step voice instructions, CPR guidance and SMART biphasic shock technology. Optional pediatric key not included. The FRx is designed for ease-of-use and longevity
POWERHEART G3 AED
The Cardiac Science PowerHeart G3 AED, available in semi-automatic or fully automatic models, is equipped with STAR® biphasic waveform, voice and text prompts, and status indicators. The G3 is designed for clarity during critical moments.
ZOLL AED PLUS
The ZOLL AED Plus sets a new standard for ease of use in emergency situations, delivering voice, text, and visual prompts alongside real-time CPR feedback. The AED Plus supports rescuers with Real CPR Help®, a robust design, and low ten-year cost of ownership.
POWERHEART G5 AED
The Powerheart G5 AED from Cardiac Science boasts user-friendly features like dual-language functionality, clear voice and texts instructions, and variable escalating energy. The G5’s rugged reliability and smart technology ensures readiness, all backed by an 8-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions about AEDs in EMS
What AED features are best for First Responders?
First responders need to prioritize durability and high IP rating. Many AEDs are designed to be installed indoors, in temperature and moisture-controlled environments. However, the Zoll AED Plus, Cardiac Science G5, and FRx AED are designed with frequent use and transport storage in mind. The versatility of these units extend to extreme conditions. Their ability to function at altitude makes it a top choice even for aviation rescues. Their robust construction can withstand harsh environments. Additional features to consider: Does the AED allow me to easily switch to Pediatric mode? Is the AED simple to use in an emergency?
How do I afford an AED for my volunteer department or local park?
AED cost is a barrier for many first responders, especially volunteer services, to purchase these life-saving devices. Strategies for funding the purchase of AEDs for your department or our community institution include:
- Pursuing grants from local safety organizations or Heart Health organizations. There are many foundations around the U.S. who’s primary focus is helping public places, schools, and athletic parks afford AEDs and teach CPR
- Look for help from local Rotary Clubs, many of which make tangible local investments in community safety
- Partner with local retail stores and set up a donation program at checkout
- Many local health systems/hospitals help fund AED programs
- Hold a local fundraising event, and teach the importance of CPR and quick response in a cardiac emergency
Saving someone from sudden cardiac arrest relies on the amount of time that happens between the cardiac emergency and deployment of the AED. For every minute that passes after an SCA without a defibrillating shock, the survival odds decrease by 10%. Because time is so precious, ideally every vehicle in your fleet should keep an AED.