Our comprehensive AED resource center provides you with all the information you need for automated external defibrillators (AEDs), sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and other heart health topics. Whether you’re buying your first AED for home or business or you’re a seasoned healthcare professional, you’ll find the latest and most important news and information about AEDs right here.
Getting Started
Buying your first AED and implementing a cardiac emergency response program can be a daunting task. Our AED resource center is full of guides, how-tos, and other resources you need to take the first step towards a comprehensive cardiac safety program. Start here to feel comfortable and confident when it’s time to make your first AED purchase.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest and AED Use in Pregnancy
Can you use an AED on a pregnant woman? Is it safe to do CPR and use an AED on a pregnant woman? Yes, it is generally considered safe to use an AED on a pregnant woman, with data from the American Heart Association and other sources recommending use. In fact, it is deemed essential for survival, with the benefits far outweighing any risks. That being said, it’s important to understand the procedure for treating a pregnant patient with an AED and CPR. Before going deeper, let’s first discuss what an AED (AED machine, AED defibrillator, AED Device, etc.) …
Can You Use Adult AED Pads on a Child?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is crucial when saving a life during a sudden cardiac arrest emergency. But what happens if your AED does not have the correct accessories to deliver the necessary life-saving shock? If pediatric pads are unavailable, you may have questioned, “Can you use adult AED pads on a child? Is it safe, and if so, under what circumstances?” Explore with us how to apply electrode pads to children and infants, when it is appropriate to use adult pads on a child or infant, and what tools and resources you need to stay equipped for an emergency …
Can You Use an AED on Someone with a Pacemaker
Can you perform CPR on a person with a pacemaker? Can an AED be used safely on someone with a pacemaker? The short answer is yes, it is generally safe to use an AED on someone with a pacemaker. However, when treating someone who has a pacemaker with an AED and CPR, there are specific considerations that must be made. Read more to uncover some of the common misconceptions about using AEDs on pacemaker patients. Table of Contents Understanding pacemakers and AEDs What is a pacemaker What is an AED Pacemaker and AED Interactions Using an AED on a pacemaker …
When and When Not To Use an AED
Just as it’s important to know when to use AED units, it’s important to know when NOT to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) as well. Learning the signs of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) emergencies and the steps in what to do if someone needs CPR and AED use can save a person’s life during a cardiac emergency when every second counts. Table of Contents When is an AED needed? When Should you NOT Use an AED? When to Use CPR, an AED, or Both How to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) How to perform CPR Using an AED & …
Existing Owners
Our AED resource center arms you and your team with all the information you need to know about managing and maintaining your AEDs. Learn the latest SCA scientific research, understand the most recent CPR guideline changes, read case studies, and discover more about the AED products and accessories you already own.
Reasons To Replace An Outdated AED
AEDs have been around for more than 20 years now. Many older AEDs are still in service and capable of saving lives.
Public Access Defibrillation Laws & Guidelines
A Review of Public Access Defibrillation and the 13 Essential Elements to an Optimum PAD Program The term sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) refers to an electrical malfunction within the cardiac system, causing the heart to stop beating. When SCA occurs, the heart experiences ventricular fibrillation (V-fib/VF) or ventricular tachycardia (V-tach/VT) and the rendering the victim unconscious. The lack of oxygenated blood to the brain causes brain tissue damage and eventually death. Emergency medical services (EMS) respond to approximately 300,000 out-of-hospital SCA each year. On average, less than 8% of those who experience SCA survive the trip to the hospital. The number …
CPR Survival Rates a Comparison
Cardiac arrests strike without warning, causing a complete loss of consciousness. If someone loses consciousness in front of you and does not respond to being tapped on the shoulders or answer if they are OK, you should call 9-1-1 immediately and get an AED if one is available. If the person has stopped breathing normally, you should administer CPR.[1] In this article we explore CPR survival rates and the science surrounding early response variations in assisting someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. CPR and AEDs are both recommended for the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. There are multiple methods for administering CPR and the combination of these variants along …
Research
How can we improve upon the current state of things? How do statistics correlate to improvements? Where can I get the answers to the many questions regarding sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, CPR and more? It all comes from research!
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Statistics
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a serious and often lethal medical condition, but its exact definition, the statistics behind its occurrence, and recorded survival rates are not always in consensus.
EKG: A Quick Reference Guide
A brief explanation of several of the more common EKG waveforms which may be encountered during a cardiac emergency response. This reference guide is by no means complete and is merely intended as a refresher resource. Interpreting an EKG waveform should be performed by certified medical professionals only. Ventricular Fibrillation EKG Characteristics: Ventricular fibrillation exhibits a chaotic rhythm and unmeasurable rate. QRS complexes are non-identifiable as are T and P-waves. The P-R interval is not measurable. Rhythm Chaotic Rate Unmeasurable QRS Absent P wave Absent P-R interval Not measurable Additional Info – What Causes Ventricular Fibrillation? Ventricular fibrillation, also called V-fib, …
Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes
Who’s more at risk for sudden death – young healthy athletes, or older, sedentary adults? Read on to learn more about how sudden cardiac death (SCD) affects everyone, no matter their age, race or gender. Surprisingly, SCD takes the lives of healthy athletes every day. Athletes are often idolized for their physical prowess, but despite society’s assumptions of their health and fitness, this group in particular is prone to sudden cardiac death (SCD). When a young athlete is lost to SCD, the impact of this loss can be felt throughout their family, friends, school, and community. Such losses are often …
The AED Superstore offers the best service, support, and largest selection of AED models for sale available anywhere! We're owned and operated by EMS professionals who continue to use automated external defibrillators in the field. You can count on us to help you make the right decision for your AED program!