Common Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Cardiac Life is your go-to destination for your AED and CPR needs. We offer a wide range of reliable and high-quality emergency defibrillator products and accessories from top brands. Our FAQs page is designed to provide you with answers to common queries about AEDs and Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) preparedness. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our team is always ready to help.
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AED FAQs
What is an AED?
An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can stop an irregular rhythm and allow a normal rhythm to resume in the heart during Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function. If it’s not treated within minutes, it quickly leads to death. Most Sudden Cardiac Arrests result from ventricular fibrillation. This is a rapid and unsynchronized heart rhythm starting in the heart’s lower pumping chambers (the ventricles). The heart must be “defibrillated” quickly because a victim’s chance of surviving drops by 7 to 10 percent for every minute a normal heartbeat isn’t restored.
Why are defibrillators important?
Defibrillators make it possible for more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. Because defibrillators are portable, they can be used by non-medical personnel. They can be made part of emergency response programs that also include calling 9-1-1 and prompt delivery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). All three of these activities are vital to improving survival from Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
How does an AED work?
A built-in computer checks a victim’s heart rhythm through adhesive electrodes. The computer calculates whether defibrillation is needed. If it is, a recorded voice will instruct the rescuer to press the shock button on a semi-automatic defibrillator. A fully automatic AED will shock the victim on its own, with no need for a button. This shock momentarily stuns the heart and stops all activity. It gives the heart the chance to resume beating effectively. Voice instructions guide the user through the process. Defibrillators advise a shock only for ventricular fibrillation or another life-threatening condition called pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Where should AEDs be placed?
All first-response vehicles, including ambulances, law enforcement vehicles, and many fire engines, should have an AED. Defibrillators also should be placed in public areas such as sports arenas, gated communities, airports, office complexes, doctors’ offices, and any other public or private place where large numbers of people gather or where people at high risk for heart attacks live or travel.
Are AEDs safe to use?
AEDs are safe to use by anyone who’s been trained to operate them. Studies have shown that 90% of the time, defibrillators are able to detect a rhythm that should be defibrillated. And 95% of the time, they are able to recommend NOT shocking when the computer shows defibrillation is not indicated.
Who can use a defibrillator?
Non-medical personnel such as police, fire service personnel, flight attendants, security guards, and other lay rescuers who have been properly trained can use AEDs.
Where can I get AED/CPR training?
As an American Heart Association-authorized training center, Cardiac Life offers a complete line of AHA classes and products. Feel free to call us at 585-267-7775 for more details or learn more here.
AED Lifespan FAQs
How does age affect the Semi or Automatic External Defibrillator and its reliability?
The purchase date and age of the defibrillator determines if it is still under the original warranty period. The older the life-saving portable defibrillator unit, the more likely it is that it has experienced obsolescence. This is a result of technology changes and improvements to design or usability.
What is an out-of-warranty Automated External Defibrillator?
An AED is out of warranty when the manufacturer’s warranty period has expired. During the warranty period, a repair is performed at no cost to the owner. A “call for service” is determined during nightly AED self-testing when the need for maintenance of the machine occurs.
Many manufacturers continue to offer repair services on units that have a “call for service” after the warranty period ends. The repair charge is based on an hourly rate plus the cost of parts needed for the repair (Loaner AEDs may not be offered).
What is an “End of Life” determination?
After a warranty ends, if the manufacturer cannot obtain parts (electrodes/pads, batteries, etc.) for older defibrillators and therefore cannot adequately support maintenance, “End of Life” determination is issued. This usually occurs many years after the original warranty ends.
Why don’t all manufacturers “End of Life” older AEDS?
Manufacturers regularly release newer AED models and technology. Some manufacturers will continue to offer the same model with new warranties.
How will I know that my AED brand and model has been discontinued or “End of Life”?
“End of Life” notifications include notifying the FDA of discontinuance of support by the manufacturer.
Manufacturers typically notify customers, corporate sales staff, and distribution partners of their decision to initiate an “End of Life” on a product through a variety of methods, such as phone and email correspondence to the last known contact.
Manufacturers identify a date on which they no longer support the defibrillator models labeled “End of Life.” This means that they no longer provide or deliver accessory components to support the continued use of the AED model or serial number series identified as “End of Life.” They may offer trade-in opportunities and/or discounts associated with the replacement of the defibrillator for a limited time.
Will my defibrillator stop working when an “End of Life” or discontinuance occurs?
An “End of Life” determination does not stop the AED from functioning. Although the manufacturer may not offer replacement accessories, the defibrillator owner may still be able to purchase replacement accessories from distribution partners. Sometimes, the manufacturer will request that distribution partners also not supply replacement parts on very old and “End of Life” AEDs. As a cautionary note, if aftermarket parts are used, it may affect the ability to perform properly.
What is my recourse if the AED is out of warranty and has a “call for service”?
A “call for service” repair after the warranty period is costly. The defibrillator manufacturer is no longer responsible for unbilled repair or required to replace a defibrillator that shows a “call for service.” Repair of one component will not guarantee that another component will not fail after a repair is made. It is also possible that the AED will not be able to be repaired.
How do I determine whether or not I should replace my AED?
Choosing to replace an out-of-warranty AED should include the following considerations:
- Does the organization that owns the machine have a standard in place for replacing items such as computers, copy machines, telephones, and other technology when the warranty is up?
- Would that standard affect the decision to keep out of warranty AEDs?
- Is the ownership based on a mandate or a legal requirement?
- Because of the owner’s “risk in the public domain,” could an out-of-warranty AED increase liability if an incident occurs and the outcome is unfavorable?
- Is the machine still indemnified by the manufacturer after the warranty period ends?
- What is the condition of the machine at the end of the warranty?
- The assessment should be based on the physical appearance of the AED and could be used as a determination for replacement.
- An AED that has suffered water or physical damage should be replaced.
- What is the fiscal budgeting plan for succession and replacement of out-of-warranty items?
- Is there more advanced technology available that would provide better performance if the out-of-warranty unit was replaced?
- Is the AED still operating?
- Should you be proactive in replacement?
- For example, per manufacturer recommendation, the Physio CR Plus should be proactively replaced prior to the internal battery failure occurring.
How can Cardiac Life help me when I decide to replace my defibrillator?
Cardiac Life offers special pricing for your trade-in AED. We responsibly recycle old AEDs, batteries, and electrodes. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced with Public Access Defibrillation and will help you determine the best choices for your program and policies.
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is when the heart stops suddenly, usually due to ventricular fibrillation. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is different from a heart attack. Unlike a heart attack, a victim of SCA has no heart rhythm. During Sudden Cardiac Arrest, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. When a shock to the heart from an AED and chest compressions from Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) are combined, an SCA victim’s chance of survival increases by 66.5%.
Cardiac Life also offers a CPR and AED training program for the individual or for an organization. To help increase the Cardiac Arrest survival rate in the United States, we want to help you gain the skills to save a life.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest FAQs
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is when the heart stops suddenly, usually due to ventricular fibrillation. When a Cardiac Arrest occurs, the brain and other vital organs begin to lose their blood supply. The victim loses consciousness.
Who is at risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Everyone is at risk for SCA, from infants to the elderly. However, those who suffer from heart disease are at a much higher risk for SCA.
Heart disease in young children often goes unnoticed. When parents enroll their children in youth sports programs, they should have their children screened for heart disease and heart defects.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the number one killer of student-athletes.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest treatment
With no way to prevent SCA, the important thing is to learn how to respond to it. Learning CPR and having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) close by is the best way to prepare for possible Sudden Cardiac Arrest. In most cases, bystander CPR is the most crucial aspect of treatment.
For every minute a person goes without treatment (CPR administration or a shock from an AED), their chance of survival decreases by 10 percent.
Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest the same as a heart attack?
SCA is not the same as a heart attack. SCA is a malfunction of the heart that results in no heartbeat, while a heart attack results from blocked blood flow to the heart. When an AED and chest compressions from Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) are combined, an SCA victim’s chance of survival increases by 66.5%.
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