Looking for AED recommendations

[ffemtmjb]

Our volunteer EMS service is considering the purchase of a new AED. We currently have a HeartStart 3000. Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance for your input.

[EastKyFF]

We have a SurvivaLink AED. It automatically analyzes (vs. us pressing a button) and stores code summary data either on a removable disk or internally. We can then download the data into our PC at the station and print out the EKG with landmarks of when the rhythm was analyzed and what instructions the AED gave us. We have placed it on four patients and delivered a shock to one, so far. The EKG, though it comes with a disclaimer not to use it for diagnostic purposes, is excellent quality and great for discussion among personnel after incidents.

It's also lightweight and can be bought with a soft case that will hold a small O2 cylinder and a full range of EMS eqpt for medical emergencies. We simply carry it and a larger O2 cylinder on medical calls and have a separate bag for trauma. It's been very efficient for us so far.

[cfr3504]

What are you planning to use this AED for? First Response, or Transport? Also what is the possiblity of have ALS personel on the call. For a non-transport BLS only, almost any AED on the market today is a good investment, I've have experience with the survival link, and heartsteart series. Both are good machines, I personally like a semi-automatic where I can manually analyze. If you are transporting, and there is ALS personnel on your agency or a strong possiblity of having them, then I would go with a ZOLL, or Lifepack 12 that also has full ALS features, manual defib, pacing, etc.

[ALSfirefighter]

Just as CFR said, check with your ALS provider to see what unit they use. Your best bet is to always try to be compatible with them or the hospital you transport to. It also depends on how much funding you have available. On our engines we carry the LifePak 500's which in my opinion is one of the best products on the market right now for BLS provider use. Its light, economical, and for us the Quick-Combo pads easily plug into the same cable on our LifePak 12's. If you have the money, LifePak offers the 12 model for AED usage. The upside to this is while its more money you can get the same Automatic BP Cuff and pulse Ox upgrades as the ALS models. Which argument wise has its ups and downs. The pulse ox is nice because it eliminates the need to carry a separate model in another bag. The BP cuff is good as long as you don't get dependant on it. Its a nice tool and I haven't had a calibration problem with it yet, but trying to get some people to take a manual BP is like having a root canal. It all depends on what your usage is, and your funding.

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The above is my opinion only and does not reflect that of any dept./agency I work for, am a member of, or deal with. http://www.firehouse.com/forums/biggrin.gif

[Resq14]

Excellent performance, service, and dependability with the Medtronic-PhysioControl LIFEPAK 500.

Most of our first response vehicle are equipped with LP500's. The ability to quickly switch to our LP10-C via the same Quik-Combo pad connector is great.

I plan on purchasing additional 500's, as well as upgrading our LP10-C's to LP12's.

Tough and reliable products. Then again, they're all I know. Perhaps I'm biased.

[EFDems841]

I gotta say go with the LP500's simple machines that a trained drunk monkey could use. You can have an analyze button on it, or not for even simpler use. The FD switched from LP 200/250's to the 500's. The only problem is that they do not interchange with the LP300 we carry on the ambulance squad I work for.The LP300's still have the old style leads on them. SO, it's either rip off the pads and use the LP300 to monitor(even though we can't technically) or run all the way in with the 500

[This message has been edited by EFDems841 (edited 04-25-2001).]