Home > Things to consider when purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

It takes community involvement to save a life; the value of an AED. 

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) units can be used by both trained and lay responders to save lives of individuals suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). If an AED is deployed in use within a few minutes, the victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has an 75% chance of survival.               

"AED Response Plan Development and Review" is an important part of implementing an "Early Defibrillation Program", whether the use of the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is in the workplace, public venue, home, cottage, or recreational facility.

Development of an appropriate AED program would consist of the following:    

Site Assessment for AED Installation     

• How long will it take for the responder to return to the victim with the AED?
• Larger buildings/facilities may require more than one AED.
• The AED should be installed in a highly visible, easily accessible location near a telephone to call 911.
• Placement of an AED unit in dusty or damp environments may require purchasing an AED unit with a higher IP Rating (International Protection Rating). 
• Please contact Independent Respiratory Consultants for further information, by email: julia@startaheart.ca or phone: click here to call 519-859-4041.

Maintenance of your AED

• All AED (Automated External Defibrillator) units come equipped with an instruction manual specific to your AED unit. Independent Respiratory Consultants suggests that you follow all AED instructions and recommendations as per manufactures guidelines.
• Although AED units are designed to require minimal maintenance, regular monthly checks will ensure that your unit is operating at its' optimal level as per manufacturers guidelines.    

AED Accessories

AED (Automated External Defibrillators) generally only need routine replacement of AED pads and batteries. You will also need to replenish your "AED Response Kit" if your unit is used for an emergency.   

AED Recalls and Updates     

Occasionally with all manufactured products an imperfection may occur. All AED distributors are required to be approved by Health Canada.

In the event of an AED recall, manufacturers/distributors are required to inform all owners affected by the AED recall and provide them with the proper steps to be taken to rectify the problem.           

Registration of Your AED

The Ontario Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Registry is a centralized online registry which provides residents of Ontario and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel details about where these life-saving AED devices are located in their own community. AED (Automated External Defibrillator) units will be registered voluntarily by EMS personnel operating in municipalities and First Nations across the province; this will be updated on a yearly basis. Please contact Independent Respiratory Consultants for further information, by email: julia@startaheart.ca or phone: click here to call 519-859-4041.          

Steps to follow when you have used your AED in an emergency:

Downloading AED event information: 

• Once an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is used, information about the incident may need to be given to medical personnel.
• All AED units collect vital information when used during a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
• This information may assist the medical team involved in further patient care at a health facility and will need to be downloaded. The information collected by the AED is considered to be personal and private medical information and is protected by “The Personal Information Act of 2004”. 
• Following the collection and download of the event information from the AED you will need to prepare your AED unit to be placed back into service.         
  

AED Policy and Procedure

Developing a personalized "AED Policy and Procedure" is a simple but important component of a successful early defibrillation program. The document should outline the members of your AED team, where the AED unit is located, how to maintain the AED unit and what to do in the event your automated external defibrillator is used.  

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns:   

Email: julia@startaheart.ca

Click here to call 519-859-4041

 

 

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