An AED (automated external defibrillator) helps restore normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest. The device sends an electric shock to the heart using pads placed on the chest. If you’re yet to invest in this life-saving device, get in touch with an AED company and partner with them for your organization’s safety. Meanwhile, let’s look at the various ways such a company can help you:
1. Access to the Right Product
Every AED manufacturer has different features in their product range. That said, a specialized AED company can help you find the right device to meet your needs.
What’s more, your budget could be the limiting factor when searching for the right AED, as these devices don’t come cheap. Your AED partner can walk you through the available models and help you pick an easy-to-use unit within your budget. This might entail a comparative review of different AED models to help you make the right choice.
2. Training and Accurate Use
Having an AED is one thing, but knowing how to use it is a different matter. And what’s the point of investing in a pricy component and lacking the knowledge to use it?
What’s more, whereas AEDs are pretty straightforward to use, the heat of an emergency can lead to the misapplication of the device. An AED firm can provide comprehensive training to your staff to ensure they are knowledgeable about the device’s usage.
They may also conduct drills, which go a long way toward familiarizing team members with the right approaches to handle emergencies requiring the device. That way, should such a situation arise, your team will know how to use the device effectively and confidently.
Training promotes preparedness. This implies everyone, whether the CEO or rank-and-file employee is ready to save a life.
3. Maintenance and Quality Assurance
AEDs require proper maintenance to ensure they remain operational. After all, you don’t want your device of choice to turn into a paperweight in an emergency, right?
Your AED partner can maintain and service the unit so that should the need arise to use it, you’ll be ready. Some of the typical maintenance activities they can perform include:
- Updating the software
- Replacing worn-out parts
- Testing the primary and secondary batteries to ensure proper operation
- Replacing expired pads
These devices should also comply with specifications set by the manufacturer. Thus, routine quality assurance checks and preventive maintenance testing ensure the units are up to scratch.
Your firm’s AED partner can also help you set up a first-aid response program. This might entail an AED assessment and audit for all the locations you have installed the device to ensure it’s ready for use when needed. The program may also consider aspects such as the coordination of medical services.
4. Ensuring Compliance with Regulations
Often, investment in AEDs is a legal requirement. Plus, organizations with AEDs in place are obligated to comply with various laws, failure to which they can face hefty fines.
A competent AED firm is conversant with the laws and regulations you must adhere to and can ensure your organization is compliant. Plus, they keep up with changes in legislation so that your organization is always up to date. Thus, whether you need to file an incident report, update protocols, or submit other documents, your AED partner can ensure you are compliant.
5. Support Services
Would you feel confident about acquiring an unbranded machine whose manufacturer later disappears off the face of the earth? How would you access replacement components? What if you need urgent assistance, but all you get are generic, recorded responses?
Well, an AED company provides the necessary support. Their partnerships with reliable manufacturers guarantee access to replacement components and other services whenever needed.
Plus, their certified technicians are on hand to help you. For instance, if your unit malfunctions, they can help troubleshoot issues and repair or replace damaged components. They may also notify you of manufacturer recalls and other announcements and avert potential safety hazards.
Likewise, they provide insights on how to keep your unit operational. For instance, when dealing with freezing lithium-ion batteries, they can offer helpful advice on ways to thaw it without damaging them or the AED.
The AED firm may also help handle issues such as registration and placement of your devices. Plus, they may assist with medical authorization – getting permission from local authorities to use an AED.
AEDs save lives, and the faster non-emergency personnel respond to a patient’s needs, the more likely they can survive. An AED partner enhances preparedness by offering various invaluable services. As such, their input is integral to the success of your AED program.