An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device designed to diagnose life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and treat them through defibrillation. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death, with a significant majority of these events happening in the home. Time is a factor, as a person’s chance of survival decreases by approximately 7 to 10% for every minute defibrillation is delayed. Since emergency medical services response times often average between eight and twelve minutes, the presence of an AED can bridge this gap and significantly improve the odds of survival.
Determining If Your Household Needs an AED
Residential ownership of an AED is recommended when a household contains individuals with specific cardiac risk factors. Those with a known history of sudden cardiac arrest or a previous heart attack that left significant damage are at a heightened risk for recurrence. A physician may recommend an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for those with high-risk heart rhythm problems, but an AED remains an immediate response option for others.
The presence of diagnosed heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or inherited arrhythmia syndromes like Long QT or Brugada Syndrome, increases the likelihood of an SCA event. Furthermore, an AED should be considered if there is a strong family history of SCA, suggesting a possible genetic predisposition to cardiac issues.
Elderly individuals or those with severe underlying health issues, such as poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, also face an elevated risk. For families residing in remote or rural areas where emergency response times are predictably longer, a home AED offers a layer of protection. The primary benefit of home AED ownership is realized in these known high-risk environments.
Understanding the Financial and Maintenance Commitment
The initial purchase price for a new consumer-grade AED typically ranges from $1,200 to over $2,500, depending on the model and included accessories. This cost is often not covered by health insurance, making it an out-of-pocket investment. Some retailers can assist with obtaining the required physician’s prescription that many states mandate for purchasing the device.
Beyond the purchase price, there are necessary recurring costs associated with maintenance. The electrode pads, which deliver the shock, are covered in an adhesive gel that expires, requiring replacement every two to four years. Replacement pads cost between $40 and $100 per set. Households with children should purchase separate pediatric pads or a device with a child mode, which uses an attenuated energy dose.
The AED’s battery also has a limited lifespan, needing replacement every two to five years, with costs ranging from $100 to $300. The device must be stored in an easily accessible, visible location. Regular self-tests are recommended to ensure proper function. Proper training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED use is recommended for all household members who may use the device.
Steps for Using an AED in a Home Emergency
The first step upon finding an unresponsive person is to immediately call 911 or the local emergency number to activate emergency medical services. While waiting for the AED to be retrieved, chest compressions should be started immediately to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain. CPR buys time, but only defibrillation can restart a heart experiencing a chaotic electrical rhythm.
Once the AED is available, turn it on, which often involves lifting the lid or pressing a single power button; the device will then provide voice prompts. The person’s chest must be bare and dry for the pads to adhere correctly, which may require removing clothing and wiping away moisture. The electrode pads should be placed on the bare chest exactly as shown in the diagrams on the pads: typically one pad below the right collarbone and the other on the lower left side of the rib cage.
After the pads are connected, the AED automatically begins to analyze the heart rhythm. No one should touch the person during this analysis. If the AED detects a shockable rhythm, it will advise a shock. The rescuer must loudly announce “Clear!” to ensure everyone is safely away from the person, then deliver the shock by pressing the flashing button on a semi-automated model, or the device may deliver it automatically.
Following the shock, or if the AED advises that no shock is needed, the rescuer must immediately resume chest compressions as directed by the device’s voice prompts. The AED guides the rescuer through two minutes of CPR before it will automatically re-analyze the heart rhythm. This cycle of analysis, shock (if needed), and two minutes of CPR continues until the person regains consciousness or emergency medical personnel arrive and take over care.
Good Samaritan Protections and AED Registration
Good Samaritan laws are enacted in all fifty states and the District of Columbia to provide legal protection to lay rescuers who attempt to aid an injured or ill person in an emergency. These laws generally protect a person from civil liability for damages resulting from voluntary assistance, provided they acted in good faith and without gross negligence or willful misconduct. This protection is specifically extended to the use of an AED by a bystander in most jurisdictions.
While the specifics of these protections vary by state, they encourage people to act decisively during a sudden cardiac event without fear of legal repercussions. Many states also encourage the owner of an AED to register the device with local emergency medical services (EMS). Registering the AED’s location ensures that 911 dispatchers are aware of its presence and can direct rescuers to it quickly during an emergency.