Frequently Asked Questions about AEDs and AED Superstore

We’ve compiled the most common questions we get about AEDs, accessories, buying a defibrillator and proper usage and maintenance. If you can’t find your question or don’t see the info you’re looking for, click here to ask your question and we’ll get back to you right away! For an in-depth, comprehensive guide to purchasing an AED, download our Ultimate AED Buyer’s Guide.

How To Maintain and Use an AED

Why is my AED beeping?

What is the date on my AED Battery?

How do I know when my AED’s electrode pads need to be replaced?

How do I know when my AED’s battery needs to be replaced?

Is my AED functioning correctly?

What do I do with my old AED batteries and pads?

Should I keep my AED Battery in my AED?

How do I setup my AED?

Why do AED electrode pads expire?

Do children and adults need different AED electrode pads?

Can an AED be used on a wet surface?

Can you use an AED on someone who is wet?

Are AED electrode pads reusable?

Are AED electrode pads interchangeable among different brands of AED?

Why is the AED status indicator not showing a status (e.g. no blinking light)?

Do I need to upgrade my AED Software?

What should I do if I use my AED in a rescue?

Should the AED cabinet alarm switch be left in the on or off position?

Buying an AED

Which AED is right for me?

Why should I buy an AED?

Why are AEDs so expensive?

Will an AED save everyone in sudden cardiac arrest?

Are AEDs covered by insurance?

What is the soonest my order can ship?

What happens when a product is on backorder?

What is the status of my order?

Can you resend a copy of the tracking number for my order?

Does same-day shipping mean I’ll get my order today?

Do you offer credit terms? Can I submit a purchase order?

Do I have to send a copy of my purchase order?

Do you take credit cards?

Do you ship internationally?

Can I receive a copy of my invoice?

General Information about AEDs

What is an AED?

Can anyone use an AED?

Is my AED safe to touch? What if I accidentally shock someone or myself?

Do I need a prescription to purchase an AED?

If I did not purchase my AED from AED Superstore, can I still buy electrode pads and batteries for my AED?

How does an AED work?

Why is an AED better than CPR?

Are AEDs safe to use on anyone?

Who can use an AED?

Where is a good location to place my AED?

Where do I place AED electrode Pads?

What’s the difference between a standard defibrillator and an AED?

What’s the difference between manual defibrillation and an AED?

How does one use an AED with CPR?

Information about AED Superstore

Does AED Superstore sell refurbished AEDs?

Yes, AED Superstore sells refurbished AEDs. Please visit our pre-owned AED page for current availability.

My company needs a W-9 so we can set your company up in our system. How do I get one?

Here is our completed AED Superstore W-9 form.

What is your Federal Tax ID #?

80-0874694

What is your GSA/VA Contract #?

V797D-50533 (ends: August 31, 2023)

I am from a church; can I still get the School and Community Value Package?

Absolutely! Our packages are designed to make it easy and affordable to get everything you need to safely implement an AED program. Feel free to select whichever package best suits your needs.

Can I lock an AED cabinet purchased from AED Superstore?

No. We do not sell locking AED cabinets. Many cabinets include an alarm to notify others the cabinet is being opened and keys to disable the alarm when opening the cabinet in a non-rescue situation. We encourage customers to purchase an alarm and strobe with their cabinet to deter theft, but DO NOT recommend locking AED cabinets, because valuable life-saving time would be lost trying to locate a key.

S. Joanne Dames - MD, MPH

Updated: 9/04/2019