You’ve purchased an automated external defibrillator (AED) for your home. Way to go! You’ve taken a giant step toward being prepared to help a person in sudden cardiac arrest.
Now what? Should you take it out of its box and put it in a closet?
No! You have some work to do to make sure your AED—and you—are ready to go in the event of an emergency. A person’s life might depend on it.
AEDs are designed for easy use by laypeople – perhaps like you. Yet, that doesn’t mean they’re simple devices. Decades of research, engineering, and manufacturing mastery are packed into these modern marvels.
You don’t have to know everything about an AED to use one, but following these seven steps can help to ensure that both your AED—and you—are ready to potentially save a life.
1. Don’t ignore the instructions
Few of us relish in reading instructions, but they’re included with a product for a reason. There’s often a lot of information to absorb. Instruction manuals spell it out so you can get the most from your purchase.
The manufacturer’s instructions that accompany an AED provide key information about how to use and maintain the device. Set aside some time to carefully review the document. If you’re more of a visual learner, you may prefer helpful step-by-step videos commonly included on manufacturers’ websites.
2. Get familiar with it
Carefully review your AED’s components. Besides the main machine, there are electrode pads and a battery pack. Look for accessories too, such as a razor for shaving hair, scissors, and wipes.
Your AED will likely include a lightweight carrying case. Keep all the components well-organized in the case so that they’re easy to locate and use in an emergency.
Most AEDs will run self-diagnostics to determine whether they’re working properly and ready for use; however, there may be an option for you to test it as well. Follow your AED’s instructions.
3. Register your AED with the manufacturer
Registering your AED activates the warranty, which helps ensure you receive proper support for the device during the warranty period. It’ll be easier to get replacement parts or to have the device repaired or replaced. Plus, you’ll be set to receive software updates, safety information, and more.
If you purchase an AED for personal use in your home, you’re likely not required to register it with any local agencies; that requirement typically applies to AEDs that are deployed in public, such as in schools, government buildings, and fitness centers.
However, you may wish to voluntarily register your device. Some local organizations offer voluntary registration programs. This helps emergency services locate nearby AEDs quickly in case there’s an emergency in your area. You can check to see if organizations in your area allow you to register your AED.
4. Have a training day
While AEDs are designed for laypeople, a little training can go a long way to helping you feel confident in an emergency. Live instruction delivered by knowledgeable instructors provides you with hands-on skills. You may also enjoy interacting with others in the class.
An AED is part of the cardiac arrest out-of-hospital Chain of Survival. Calling 911 and administering CPR are other links in the chain that typically fall to bystanders. A person in cardiac arrest has the best chance of survival when all three are performed. At Starting Hearts, we call this approach Call.Push.Shock.™
5. Keep your AED visible
Being able to quickly access an AED in an emergency is key. It should be easy to locate and retrieve. Place it in a highly visible location, perhaps on a shelf in the living room, or in the kitchen of a well-traveled hallway—anywhere it will stand out.
Remember, an AED is a device that’s meant for emergencies – when every moment matters. Quick, convenient access is essential.
6. Maintain your AED
An AED isn’t a “set it and forget it” piece of equipment. It’s a machine that must be maintained.
Two main AED components require regular maintenance: the battery pack and electrode pads.
The manufacturer’s information that accompanies your AED will tell you the expected battery life.
The electrode pads are covered by an adhesive gel that dries out over time. The gel allows the pads to affix properly to a cardiac arrest victim’s torso so that the AED can deliver a strong enough electric jolt.
7. Create an emergency response plan
If someone experiences a cardiac arrest in your home, how would you respond? In the heat of the moment, it’s more difficult to act in a calm, coordinated manner if you don’t have a plan in place.
Write out and review a plan. Get your family involved.
That’s it! Follow these steps and you, and your AED, will be ready to go in an emergency.
At Starting Hearts, we can provide you with new AEDs, plus accessories and defibrillator maintenance services. Check us out, too, for specific training that can make a life-saving difference. Contact us for more information: info@startinghearts.org.
Patrick Golden is a healthcare writer based in Massachusetts.
