FAQs

An AED may beep for several reasons:

• Disconnected Electrode Pads: If your AED is beeping and requires electrode pads to be pre-connected, make sure your electrode pads are connected to the AED.
• Low or Expired Battery: Check the charge of your battery to see if its life is depleted, and confirm the battery isn’t expired. If it’s expired, order a replacement battery.
• Expired electrode pads: Check the expiration date of your electrode pads. Electrode pads can dry out with age or if they become unsealed, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good working order. If they’re expired or not usable, replace the electrodes.
• Internal circuitry issue: If everything else checks out, the beeping may be caused by an internal circuitry issue. AED Superstore recommends you contact the AED manufacturer for warranty service.

If you have other questions or concerns contact GMEC-EMT at 774-202-2079 and we will be happy to assist you!

Your AED electrode pads need to be replaced when the electrode pads have reached their manufacturer shelf life. AED Electrode pads typically need to be replaced between one and five years. Check the expiration date on the outside of the electrode pads for the actual expiration date.

Your AED Battery may need to be replaced if any of the following occurs:

• The AED beeps
• The AED fails self-checks
• The AED Has a failing status indicator (red light or mark)
• The AED does not have enough power to operate

The life of an AED battery can vary depending on the manufacturer. Most AED batteries need to be replaced every 2 – 5 years. 

When your AED electrode pads are expired or used, they can simply be placed in the trash. 

To dispose of your AED battery, we recommend contacting a local recycling center in your area to make sure they are disposed of correctly.

AED software often needs to be upgraded over time. Every five years the American Heart Association reviews the latest research and updates their emergency cardiac care guidelines. After a review AED units may need to be re-programmed with the latest software. 

To determine if your AED is functioning correctly, examine the device for a status indicator light. The status indicator light is usually a check mark or flashing light that signifies the AED has passed its self-check. Successful self-checks on your AED are what let you know the device is functioning normally.

All AEDs run these self-checks (some daily, some weekly, some monthly), which automatically make sure your AED is functioning properly. Because the AED is performing this automatic self-check, you do not need to turn the device on and off to make sure it’s working. In fact, manually turning the AED unit on and off to check its status will drain the battery, thus reducing its useful life.Answer text

After using your AED, there are number of steps we recommend.

• Buy new AED electrode pads
• Check the AED’s battery life
• Potentially involving one of our medical directors to review the details of the event. 

Regardless of the event, Our focus extends beyond merely selling AEDs; we offer CPR training, assist in AED program management, all aimed at our commitment to make life-saving skills accessible to all.

You should consider buying an AED if:

1. Your state requires your business or organization to have an on-site AED.
2. The safety of your customers, staff, and/or clients is important to you.
3. You own a business, which sees a wide cross-section of the population come through its doors on a regular basis.
4. Your customers, staff, or clients are at a higher risk for sudden cardiac arrest (such as the elderly, or persons with compromised health in a health-oriented business).
5. Your patrons engage in activities involving physical strain such as a fitness-oriented business.
6. You or a member of your household has been diagnosed with a heart-related condition or suffered previous heart-related events.

If any of the above items apply to you, your business or organization, you may want to consider having an AED available. Keep in mind, sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, regardless of age, gender, or physical fitness.

AEDs are expensive because of the level of R&D that goes into each unit. 

AEDs are medical devices which uses specialty electronic components to accurately analyze heart rhythms in order to effectively save someone’s life. The amount of research and development that goes into these units is extensive and they are rigorously tested to ensure they will work when called upon to perform. Consider the impact an AED can have on someone’s life!

Medical insurance will most likely not cover the cost of an AED. 

If you have an existing cardiac condition which increases your risk of sudden cardiac arrest which is supported by your physician, your insurance might cover the cost depending on the condition and your coverage. It never hurts to check with your insurance company before purchasing an AED.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a medical apparatus utilized during instances of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) to administer crucial assistance to the affected individual. These devices connect a pre-programmed computer to a distinctive user interface and specialized electrical pads. Their design emphasizes portability and rapid utilization in response to a cardiac emergency. AEDs serve the purpose of guiding any responder through two critical steps: performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and delivering life-saving shocks to rectify heart rhythm abnormalities in victims, no matter where the incident occurs.

Originating from the innovative mind of Dr. Frank Pantridge, an esteemed Irish military doctor and future cardiologist, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have gained increasing usage since their inception in 1965. The prevailing understanding was that a significant number of cardiac arrest fatalities resulted from the heart deviating from its normal rhythm, plunging into abnormal ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Ventricular fibrillation, characterized by a rapid yet irregular heartbeat, stands as the primary abnormal heart rhythm responsible for sudden cardiac arrest. Similarly, ventricular tachycardia, an arrhythmia caused by irregular electrical signals in the heart's lower chambers, disrupts normal blood circulation when sustained.

It's important to note that neither ventricular fibrillation nor ventricular tachycardia are classified as heart diseases. Heart attacks and Sudden Cardiac Arrest are distinct heart-related issues, each with different root causes.

In cases of ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, where the heart ceases effective blood pumping, an electric shock from an AED can temporarily halt the heart's erratic rhythm. This pause allows the heart's inherent electrical pacemaker to restore a regular heartbeat. Prof. Pantridge recognized the urgency of applying the necessary shock promptly at the heart attack site, leading the development of the world's initial portable defibrillator. Collaborating with colleagues John Geddes and technician Alfred Mawhinney, they devised a portable device, utilizing a car battery and electrode pads, to administer the essential shock.

Over the past fifty years, the evolution of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) has been remarkable, advancing into sophisticated devices that excel in portability, durability, adaptability, and ease of use. This progress has been motivated by the critical, time-sensitive nature of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) incidents, where every second counts.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), over 350,000 individuals of varying ages in the United States alone fall victim to heart arrhythmias, experiencing sudden cardiac arrest each year. Without warning, a person may collapse, cease breathing, lose consciousness, and exhibit no pulse at any given time or place. Without immediate intervention, death can occur within minutes due to a lack of blood flow to the brain. Given this brief timeframe between collapse and potential fatality, the immediate availability of AEDs, coupled with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), is crucial.

Modern-day AEDs provide step-by-step guidance to rescuers, directing them to perform CPR and apply specialized electrical pads to the body of someone experiencing cardiac arrest. By analyzing the victim's heart function, these devices administer stabilizing shocks, effectively reviving the victim.

Due to the urgent necessity of AEDs during SCA incidents, their widespread use has expanded to virtually every conceivable setting, not limited to hospitals but also encompassing public spaces, commercial establishments, and even residential environments. The framework, regulations, programs, policies, and guidance surrounding the utilization of AEDs are collectively known as public access defibrillation (PAD).

Due to the critical need for immediate response during sudden cardiac arrests, the development of AED technology and corresponding legislation has intentionally aimed to enable almost anyone, including children, to utilize these devices in emergency situations. While highly advanced forms of AEDs are typically employed by emergency medical personnel with extensive expertise in treating heart conditions, simpler versions exist for use by any bystander. Therefore, raising public awareness about these machines, when and how to use them, and advocating for AED accessibility in all feasible settings is of utmost importance.

Recognizing the pivotal role of AEDs in safeguarding public health, various U.S. states have implemented laws beginning officially in 1997 with Florida. By 2010, all 50 states had enacted laws or regulations pertaining to the use of defibrillators. The objective is to enhance the survival chances of individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

States are actively engaged in initiatives to:

Increase AED availability.
Normalize the use of public AEDs.
Promote AED training.
Ensure maintenance and testing adhere to manufacturers’ standards.
Establish a registry documenting defibrillator locations.
Institute a "Good Samaritan" exemption from liability.
Define more comprehensive requirements for AED certification and registration.

If you come across someone who has fainted and you suspect they may require an AED, follow these steps:

1. Assess the person's breathing and pulse.

2. If no pulse is felt and the person isn't breathing, call for emergency assistance and being Chest Compressions.

3. If others are present, have one person dial 911 while another prepares the AED. If alone, call 911 or emergency services first to ensure prompt help. REMINDER: Time is critical; act swiftly, approach anyone nearby, speak loudly and clearly, and announce your search for an AED! AEDs in public areas are typically housed in wall-mounted cases similar to fire extinguishers.

4.Activate the AED. The automated external defibrillator will provide spoken instructions, guiding you through checking for breathing and a pulse, as well as positioning electrode pads on the person's chest.

5.Administer the shock. Once the pads are correctly placed, the AED automatically assesses the person's heart rhythm to determine if a shock is necessary. If required, the device instructs the user to step back and press a button to deliver the shock. The AED is designed not to administer a shock if unnecessary.

6.Perform CPR. If CPR is still needed after the shock, commence CPR as guided by the AED. This process can be repeated as necessary until emergency responders take charge.

If you are not trained in CPR, GMEC-EMT offer courses in many states across the U.S.