AED Defibrillators for Sale

FAQ

• What is an AED and how does it work?

  An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) analyses the heart rhythm and, only if needed, delivers a shock to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Clear voice/visual prompts guide rescuers; most public-access units are designed for lay use.

  
• What’s the difference between semi-automatic, fully-automatic and manual defibrillators?

  Semi-automatic AEDs prompt you to press a shock button. Fully-automatic AEDs deliver the shock automatically after a countdown when a shockable rhythm is detected. Manual defibrillators (used by clinicians/paramedics) allow manual energy selection, ECG display, pacing/cardioversion and require clinical training.

  
• Which type is better for workplaces or community sites?

  Most sites choose semi-automatic or fully-automatic AEDs for simplicity. Semi-auto offers a final human check before shock; fully-auto removes hesitation in high-stress situations.

  
• Why does “time to first shock” matter?

  Minimising the pause between CPR and shock improves conversion success. Technologies like Philips Quick Shock (typ. ~8–10 s from CPR pause) and ZOLL RapidShock (very short pre-shock pause) are designed to reduce delays.

  
• How often do AEDs self-test?

  It varies by model. Examples: Philips HS1/FRx daily/weekly/monthly tests (incl. pads/battery), HeartSine PAD series weekly tests, ZOLL AED Plus weekly (configurable), ZOLL AED 3 daily or weekly (default weekly).

  
• What’s typical pad and battery shelf life?

  Common ranges: Philips HS1 pads ~2 years, battery ~4 years; Philips FRx pads ~2 years, battery ~4 years; ZOLL AED Plus pads/battery ~5 years; ZOLL AED 3 5-year pads and battery; HeartSine Pad-Pak (battery + pads in one) 4 years. Always check the product page for your exact SKU.

  
• What does IP rating mean and which AEDs suit outdoor or wet areas?

  IP measures dust/water protection. Higher IP is better for outdoor/humid sites. Examples: HeartSine PAD IP56, Philips FRx IP55, ZOLL AED Plus/3 IP55; Philips HS1 is IP21 (indoor-only environments).

  
• What are biphasic waveforms and do they differ by brand?

  All leading AEDs use biphasic shocks but with different implementations: Philips SMART Biphasic (fixed-dose 150 J adult), ZOLL Rectilinear Biphasic (RBW) with 120-150-200 J sequence, HeartSine SCOPE™ (typically 150-150-200 J, impedance-compensated). Each is clinically validated to be effective at their stated energies.

  
• Is more energy (Joules) always better?

  Not necessarily. Efficacy depends on waveform + current delivered and how the device adapts to patient impedance. Different brands optimise differently (fixed vs escalating), with strong clinical support across the major systems.

  
• What paediatric options exist?

  Child-specific pads (ZOLL pedi-padz; HeartSine Paediatric-Pak; Philips HS1 Infant/Child pads) or device Child Mode (e.g., ZOLL AED 3; Philips FRx Infant/Child Key) reduce energy and adjust prompts for <25 kg/≈<8 yrs.

  
• What are real-time CPR feedback features?

  ZOLL Real CPR Help (compression depth/rate coaching), HeartSine CPR Advisor (on 500P), and Philips CPR coaching/metronomes help lay rescuers deliver higher-quality compressions.

  
• Are any AEDs Wi-Fi/connected?

  ZOLL AED 3 offers optional Wi-Fi/cloud programme management to auto-report status; others rely on status indicators and manual checks.

  
• Are some AEDs approved for aviation?

  Aviation variants use FAA TSO-C142a compliant batteries/packs (e.g., Philips FRx/HS1 aviation battery, HeartSine aviation packages, ZOLL AED Plus aviation pack). Check “aviation” SKUs and battery part numbers.

  
• Manual vs AED in clinical settings?

  Hospitals and paramedics use manual defibrillators for advanced features (manual energy selection, pacing, cardioversion, multi-lead ECG). For public access and workplace AEDs, automated analysis and prompts are preferred.

  
• What affects total cost of ownership (TCO)?

  Pad/battery interval (e.g., HeartSine Pad-Pak 4 yrs, ZOLL AED Plus/3 5 yrs) and self-test/connected monitoring (to avoid readiness lapses). Fewer consumable changes = lower TCO.

  
• Should I choose fully automatic for untrained users?

  Many public venues do; it removes the “press shock” decision. Semi-auto is preferred where trained responders want final control.

  
• Are AEDs safe around metal floors or in rain?

  Follow pad placement guidance and dry the chest. Choose higher IP-rated AEDs for wet/outdoor use and avoid standing water during analysis/shock. (See brand IPs above.)

  
• Typical performance metrics to compare?

  Time-to-shock, waveform/energy strategy, self-test frequency, pad/battery intervals, IP rating, CPR feedback, paediatric mode, connectivity, and aviation options.

  
• Any industry trends?

  Faster analysis/minimal CPR pauses (Quick Shock, RapidShock), richer CPR feedback, long-life consumables, and connected (Wi-Fi) status reporting.

  
• How do I match an AED to my site?

  Office/indoor: simplicity and low TCO. Outdoor/sport/industrial: higher IP and ruggedness (e.g., FRx, HeartSine PAD, ZOLL IP55 units). Child-heavy settings: easy paediatric mode (FRx Key, ZOLL child mode). Fleet/aviation: TSO-compliant variants.

  
• Use-Case Guidance & Pros/Cons
  
• Best AEDs for dusty, wet, or outdoor environments?

  Prioritise higher IP devices: HeartSine PAD (IP56), Philips FRx (IP55), ZOLL AED Plus/3 (IP55).

  
• Pros & cons of fully-automatic AEDs?

  Pros: removes hesitation, simplest workflow.

  Cons: less control for trained responders; ensure clear “stand clear” prompts and good site training.

  
  

  
• Pros & cons of semi-automatic AEDs?

  Pros: rescuer confirms shock; preferred by trained teams.

  Cons: timid responders may delay shock without strong coaching.

  
  

  
• Are “connected” AEDs worth it?

  Yes where readiness compliance matters (multi-site fleets). ZOLL AED 3 Wi-Fi reduces manual checks and flags pads/battery expiries.

  Philips HS1 and FRx both have connectivity options (4G/5G and wifi) from Medical Assist. Quote Request from Medshop for additional information

  
• What about high heat/humidity?

  Check each device’s operating temperature and choose higher IP units for humidity; store out of direct sun; use cabinets where appropriate. (See brand data sheets; FRx is specified for rugged conditions.)

  
• Which models are best for schools/child-heavy settings?

  Units with simple paediatric mode: Philips FRx (Infant/Child Key), ZOLL AED 3 (Child Mode), or dedicated paediatric pads (HS1, ZOLL AED Plus, HeartSine Paediatric-Pak).

  
• Can an AED be used on someone with a pacemaker?

  Yes—place pads per instructions; analysis algorithms are designed to handle most artifact/noise appropriately. (Follow device manual.)

  
• Are there meaningful differences in clinical efficacy across brands?

  Major brands have strong clinical evidence supporting their biphasic waveforms (Philips SMART, ZOLL RBW, HeartSine SCOPE). Selection should focus on environment, maintenance, training level and features.

  
• What ongoing checks should we schedule?

  Visual status indicator, pad/battery expiry dates, cabinet alarm/battery, and periodic drill training. Connected devices can auto-report status.

  
• Do we need special cabinets or signage?

  For compliance and rapid access, install visible AED signage and consider alarmed cabinets; outdoor cabinets should be weather-rated.