A cardiac arrest is an electric problem in the heart that can be only fixed with electricity. While the CPR is a vital part of resuscitation, it alone cannot restart a heart in cardiac arrest. A defibrillator must be used alongside to save a patient’s life. It can be external, transvenous, or implanted (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator), depending on the type of machine used or required.
The defibrillator shocks the heart by allowing it to restart and find a natural rhythm again, which is crucial for the person to live. It analyses how the heart reacts and then judges the energy needed for the next shock, with the maximum reaching 360 joules.
It can be very tough to choose from a variety of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) models in the market. To select the right one, you must consider.
1. Price
Price is directly related to the physical characteristics and inclusions that come along with the device. Currently, the highly efficient AEDs retail between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 7 lakh. However, future costs of repairs, maintenance, and eventual replacement would follow. The basic AEDs have nominal options and features.
Additional features like ECG monitoring, manual override options, and exterior housing units are included in the expensive units. Some of them also include improved battery life or voice prompts. Business Loans for Doctors are a great way to purchase the cost of your defibrillator, for you to keep your medical equipment at par with the latest technological trends. You just need to submit a few basic details about yourself and unlock your pre-approved offers that helps you get a loan without making a loan application.
2. Brand
It is advisable to stick to only recognised brands (like Philips, ZOLL and Cardiac Science, etc.) in the market as AEDs are life-saving equipment. Your research should focus on the construction and build quality, the company’s after-sales support and warranty, and a continued supply of consumables (for example, batteries) for the future.
3. Inclusions
It is important to know the inclusions in the AED package you are considering to buy. While some retailers sell the defibrillator with just the unit and expect you to purchase accessories additionally, some retailers include all the accessories in a single package.
The accessories include, but are not limited to, protective or carry cases, a spare set of pads, an extra battery, a mounting station or wall bracket/ cabinet, and paediatric pads and/ or child keys.
4. Efficacy
All AEDs will first analyse the patient’s cardiac rhythm and then advise you to shock or not. You should know more about the efficacy of your AED, with respect to its ability to:
- Walk through its analysis quickly
- Go through the CPR
- Give you live feedback about your CPR quality
Your AED should have a track record of saving lives.
5. Training options available
Most manufacturers and sellers provide training and demonstration on installation of the machine. Do ensure that your staff is also trained to use the defibrillator in an emergency situation, with or without you.
Also, make sure the device has a practice mode so that you and your staff can perform CPR drills in your hospital or set-up.
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