After testing 26 different defibrillator for 90 hours and consulting 5 experts who have years of experience between them, we determined that Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillato is the best among all and runner up is No products found.. In case you want to know more about our review process, navigate down to the section describing the complete testing process. We also provide a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you buy an automated external defibrillator that suitable use in your home and office.
Top Picks
Best Automated External Defibrillators
1. Philips HeartStart – Best For Home Use
It is functionally identical to the common Philips HeartStart OnSite AED that is popularly being used by many churches, schools, and businesses. This defibrillator has been designed to be easy to use. It offers the user with clear step by step voice instructions. Its smart sensors help in making sure that the device has been personalized to work correctly using the correct amount of shock for every woman, man, and child. It also comes with written instructions and diagrams that help the user understand the process.
The training mode will let you practice using the device in a safer way while thinking at some possible scenarios. In order to ensure that you do not risk a dead battery during the emergency situation, this model will do regular self-checks to help in assessing the life of the battery. This AED is stored in a bold red case that makes it easier to find and grab whenever there is an emergency.
- Easy to follow voice prompts.
- Can also be used of children and infants.
- It is of the trusted Philips brand.
- The smart sensors ensures shock is personalized for different victims.
- Has simple controls.
- Comes with a -year warranty.
- Comes with training DVD and the training mode to practice different emergency scenarios.
- It is expensive.
- There have been quality control issues.
- There are users who have reported battery dying much sooner than indicated.
Bottom Line
Despite some previous quality control issues, the Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator does stand out for providing peace of mind and offering important training mode. Overall, it is a top choice for the best defibrillator to install in-home or office.
2. First Voice Physio-Control Lifepak CR-Plus – Best For Office Use
No products found.
Most of the AEDs do strive in making operations as simple as possible. The Physio-Control Lifepak CR-Plus is trying to lead in that area. This AED does offer simplicity in every way from owning it to using and maintaining it. At its center, they are trying to make life-saving as simple as possible. Any emergency is always chaotic and stressful, hence bringing simplicity in the arena is very important.
This unit also comes with an orientation video to help serve as a training guide and refresher to the specific features of this model. There is a visual and clear voice that prompts how to use it.
Since most of the EMS teams do use the Lifepak products, this First Voice Physio-Control Lifepak CR-Plus makes for a simpler transition when support arrives. For example, in the Us, Lifepak AED does require prescription although the physicians’ prescription does come with the purchase.
- It offers simple instructions to use.
- Includes a bonus set of electrodes.
- Trusted brand that is used by most EMS hospitals and units.
- Includes valuable extras.
- 8-year warranty.
- Long battery life.
- It is expensive.
- Home users will not need several of the extras that are included.
Bottom Line
Simplicity and calmness help make an emergency go as good as it can and the First Voice Physio Control Lifepak CR-Plus does make using an AED as simple as possible.
3. Zoll AED Plus – Best For Physicians
No products found.
For years, doctors have been using products from Zoll including the defibrillators. If it is trusted in the ICU and the ER, it can be trusted back at home also. This unit is bright neon yellow/green which makes it easy to identify and grab whenever you need it.
In addition to guiding one through using this defibrillator, this unit also stands out for having one size fits all pads. You will receive a sleeve of batteries and a carrying case with this unit.
- It is durable.
- 5-year warranty.
- Unique real time feedback on the CPR.
- Had advanced settings and options.
- Its pad is one size fits all.
- Comes with extra batteries.
- It is quite expensive.
- There are no included extras. .
Bottom Line
Medical experts have trusted all Zoll products for years and Zoll AED plus are an excellent product one can count on in case of emergency back at home.
4. Rescue Ready Pack By Cardiac Life – Best For Budget Conscious User
No products found.
Not all cardiac events do call for an automated external defibrillator. This kit will ensure you are always ready to rescue any victim whether or not an AED has been called. It is an all in one kit that prepares one for using the AED but also performing CPR depending on the situation needs.
All fitting within one lightweight and compact carrying case, you get a defibrillator and Adult Pad-Pak and a Ready Rescue kit that comprises of things such as gloves, CPR and a razor. One most important part on this AED is that it does serve as a coach to walk one through the emergency. It will guide on through the process of testing to see if the rhythm is shockable.
It will either guide you on the defibrillation or guide you through the traditional CPR. It also comes with an instructional DVD that will help train you on how to use the product. It is technically a semi-automatic defibrillator at 350P. One advantage of the semi-automatic defibrillator is that it provides its user with more control over when the shock is delivered.
Its Pad-Pak cartridge should last for approximately four years and it does emit an audible beep when it has to be replaced. For kids who are below 8 or those who weigh less than 55lbs, you will have to purchase the Pediatric Pad-Pak separately.
- It comprises of useful extras.
- It is relatively affordable.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Single use cartridge means it is easy to maintain.
- Has a decent battery life that keeps its maintenance cost low.
- One has to purchase the pediatric separately.
- The single use electrode/battery cartridges can end up being more expensive.
Bottom Line
This Rescue Ready Pack by Cardiac Life is convenient and affordable coach which is capable of bringing the much needed calm to the chaotic emergency situation.
5. PowerHeart G3 by Cardiac Science – Best For Portable Medical Kit
No products found.
Having an AED is one thing but taking good care of it to ensure that it functions well is something different all together. Carrying out maintenance is an important part when it comes to owning an automated external defibrillator which includes making sure the batteries function well and replacing electrode pads whenever they expire.
However, Cardiac Life does make that as easy as possible by providing different self check options. It is possible for one to set the unit to run a self check on a day to day basis, weekly or monthly basis.
You will not have to remember in order to check it by yourself makes it more convenient. In addition to making it easy to maintain, this AED also walks you through the process of using it with the CPR coaching.
The PowerHeart G3 by Cardiac Science has a 7 year warranty and a 4 year battery replacement guarantee. It comes with an Inspection Tag, Rescue Ready kit, Carry Case, Activar cabinet and AED signage.
- Has CPR coaching and clear instructions.
- Its electrode pads are non-polarized.
- Comes with valuable extras.
- It self checking simplifies maintenance.
- Has a 4 year battery replacement guarantee and 7 year warranty.
-
- It is expensive.
- One has to buy pediatric pads separately.
- Its CPR coaching and instructions are in English only.
Bottom Line
The PowerHeart G3 by cardiac life does maximize users’ peace of mind by frequently carrying out self checks and alerting you of any issue. Other than that it is good defibrillator for small business, home etc.
Buyer’s Guide- What To Consider?
It does not matter if you will be replacing the automated external defibrillator or buying a new one for the first time. What is important is getting the best for your home or office use.
However, the process of getting one can be overwhelming due to the wide variety available in the market.Do you know what specific features you need to consider? We have done an in-depth on this with several varieties in the market. Here are some of the factors you need to consider when buying the automated external defibrillator for home or office use.
1.Brand
The best defibrillators are never cheap; hence, you will want to purchase the right one the first time. It is recommended that you stick to the licensed and recognized manufacturers in the market. This will provide you with a level of confidence in their build quality and construction, their warranty and after sales support and the continued supply of consumables in the future.
2. Ease of Use
Ease of use is one of the biggest factors you can consider whenever you are purchasing an AED. Unfortunately, it is one factor that most buyers rarely consider. Although all the AED models are similar, they do have some small differences especially when it comes to operation and ease of use.
3. Available Training Options
One important consideration when purchasing a defibrillator is whether you will be having access to training or a specific unit. It is all well and good when buying an AED for your place of work but also important in emergency cases to help ensure that all your staff has been trained well on how to use the AED. As you have been informed, every AED model does have its own idiosyncrasies which can easily affect its use.
4. Consumables
Consumables are a very important factor you need to consider whenever you are buying AED. Pads and batteries are the two main consumables for an AED. The difference in price of batteries and AED pads can affects the running costs of AED’s.
While one unit might be cheaper, more expensive pads and batteries can mean that this cheaper unit is more expensive on the long run.The shelf life of the pads and batteries is directly linked to the price which can vary from one unit to another.
5. Inclusion
Inclusion is another important consideration when purchasing an AED. Check what items have been included in the AED package you are interested in purchasing or comparing against. There are retailers that do sell AEDs with bare minimum like the AED unit and require you to buy extra accessories.
The type of accessories you need will come down to the personal set of requirements but the items to consider are carry or protective cases, an extra battery, a spare set of pads, wall bracket or cabinet, mounting station and a pediatric pads.
6. Price
Another important factor to consider when buying an AED is price. Previously, AED’s used to retail at $10,000 but today there are AEDs that retail at under $2000. You will also found some AEDs in the market that retail between $2000 and $35000. As we have already noted, one consideration when comparing the prices of AEDs is the differences in price of the respective consumables especially the batteries and pads.
7. Physical Characteristics
The AEDs can differ on their physical characteristics which can be another important consideration when buying the AED. For example, will the AED be stationary in the office environment or will you be taking it on remote trekking expeditions in the forest? The AEDs differ in size, weight and international protection rating which is their resistance against dust or solid objects intrusion.
FAQs
1. How Does the Automated Defibrillator Work?
Any automated external defibrillator consists of a processor and a small computer that analyzes the rhythm of the heart.The electrodes will send the signal to the computer which will thereafter determine if the rhythm is shock-able. In case the rhythm is shock-able, the device will send electronic current to heart through the chest wall.The electric shock interrupts the erratic rhythm of the heart which can help it return to normal. Not every heart rhythm is shock-able and not every heart attack will call for an AED use.
2.Where Can I learn how to use the AED properly?
A CPR course is considered to be one of the best ways one can learn how to use an AED correctly. The AEDs have been designed for even the untrained people to use them successfully. This device will walk you through the process with both visual cues and voice prompts.In case you do have plans of owning an AED for your home use, it will be your responsibility to get the right training on how you will be using it. In addition to being trained, you can consider buying AED trainer for more exercise experience.
3.When should it be used?
AED should only be used when one is suffering for a sudden cardiac arrest which is caused by either ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation (v-fib). For it to be used successfully, it is advisable that the AED be used within the first SCA onset minutes.
4. When Should One Not Use the AED?
There are several situations where the use of an AED can be a bad idea. For example, you should never use the defibrillator when the victim is inside water or when his or her chest is sweat.The automated defibrillator will create an electric shock and it can inadvertently electrocute the victim. It is also important that you avoid combustible materials such as oxygen. You can also decide to use the AED if the victim has a pacemaker or medication patch. However, it is important that you do not place the AED pads directly on the areas.
5. Is it important that I buy trainers?
AED trainers are never a bad idea especially if you are anxious on potentially using the device in future. A trainer will make it possible for you to practice on the mannequin to help you have hands on experience for what using the AED is like
How Do We Conduct The Tests?
Our team was in charge of the store when choosing the automated external defibrillator for home and office use. We reviewed the top 20 models, interviewed five experts and undergone 76 hours of testing to help come up with the top automated external defibrillator for home and office use.
We took time and went to the brand manager to help get a complete idea of how the AEDs functions, type of technology it is using and its features.Additionally, we consulted five electrical engineers who are already in this testing field to understand the power consumption and its maintenance process.
Further, we were fortunate enough our team members already had two of these models at their home and offices. So, it helped us to get the personalized testing and the accurate results. We evaluated all the models on three prime factors price, durability, and ease of use. For the same, we have come up with a table analyzing the overall performance of each product in percentage.
| Product Name | Storage | Sensor | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator | 98.8 | 97.0 | 98.2 | Check Price |
| First Voice Physio-Control Lifepak CR-Plus | 97.6 | 97.9 | 97.7 | No products found. |
| Zoll AED Plus | 96.9 | 97.0 | 96.8 | No products found. |
| Rescue Ready Pack By Cardiac Life | 96.0 | 96.3 | 96.2 | No products found. |
| PowerHeart G3 | 95.4 | 94.9 | 95.9 | No products found. |
Final Thought
The list above comprises of the automated external defibrillators for home and office use. Feel free to buy any of them with a close eye. We also advice they you narrow down your requirements and take your time to go through all the products together with its buying guide before you make a decision on which one to buy. You need not to get confused on which one to buy.
Leave a Reply