My AED Is Old But Still Works, Should I Replace It?

An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is a device used to help individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. With its sophisticated technology, it can analyse the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, provide an electrical shock or defibrillation to help restore it to normal.

As cardiac arrest can happen anywhere and at any time of the day, it’s essential that establishments in Singapore have an AED at hand. Along with CPR, using an AED can increase the person’s chances of survival and even prevent their likeliness of developing brain damage.

Does your establishment already have an AED kit? If not, you can always get high-quality AED machines from HTM Medico. But if you already have one, you should keep track of how long your AED has been with you and make sure it undergoes servicing conducted by your supplier annually. Like most technological devices, AEDs require regular preventive maintenance to ensure they are functional so that they operate optimally when required. On top of that, your company’s emergency response team should also conduct frequent checks on your company’s AED even when not in use.

Over time, your AED may grow obsolete. The average AED can last up to 8 years, depending on how they are stored and how often they are used. But it’s recommended that when your AED kit has been around for about 5 to 7 years, you should have it replaced with a newer model. Older AEDs may end up becoming less effective and efficient in times of sudden cardiac arrest, which could compromise the victim’s chances of survival.

If you’re still not convinced about getting the latest AED kit for your establishment, here are more reasons why you should invest in them:

1. Less time on manual inspection

What’s great about modern AED kits, like the LifePak CR2 defibrillator, is that they are easier to maintain compared to older defibrillators where you will need adequate training to determine if there are any issues with the device or not. Specifically, our AED comes with the LIFELINKcentral AED Program Manager that’s linked to the device, so users can remotely monitor the AED’s readiness information, location of usage within Singapore, and battery and electrode status, among others.

2. Easier to use

Today’s AED kits, like our HeartSine AED and LifePak CR2 defibrillator, are designed to be more user-friendly to rescuers, especially lay rescuers of all skill levels, for more effective use.

Unlike other AEDs in Singapore, we have AED models that come with easy-to-understand visual and voice prompt guides, so rescuers have their very own trainer in the form of our CPR Advisor through the entire resuscitation process. The CPR Advisor will give them feedback on the force and rate of compressions as they perform CPR before the emergency medical team arrives. The CPR coaching functionality not only improves performance but also increases the hands-on time and reduces pauses in CPR, which makes a significant difference in lifesaving outcomes.

3. Improved features

Every modern AED machine comes with different features that help rescuers respond to sudden cardiac arrest immediately and effectively. With HTM Medico’s HeartSine AED and LifePak CR2 defibrillator, you get a full suite of features that help improve the chances of survival and reduce the likelihood of debilitating conditions, like brain damage.

Aside from CPR coaching and easy-to-use functionality, both models are durable as they are designed to be resistant to dust and water.

One of the features that are unique to the HeartSine AED is its smart pre-charging mechanism that reduces the time required to analyse the ECG. It can detect and confirm the presence of a shockable rhythm to charge the AED, preparing the AED machine for a life-saving defibrillation shock. It also comes with a Pediatric-Pak with pre-attached electrodes that deliver guidelines-recommended energy levels to children who may be experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Moreover, this PadPak combines the battery and electrode pads into a single cartridge containing one expiration date to monitor.

On the other hand, the LifePak CR2 Defibrillator has QUIK-STEP electrodes that can easily be peeled off the base for faster side-by-side placement during the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. It comes with the highest available energy with up to 360 joules for more effective shocks as needed. Additionally, it can offer bilingual instruction with two pre-set languages for you to choose from. When opting for the LifePak CR2 defibrillator, it goes hand-in-hand with the LIFELINKcentral AED Program Manager where you can check the defibrillator’s status.

Partner with HTM Medico for High-Quality AED Kits in Singapore

If you’re looking for a reputable provider of AED machines in Singapore, you can turn to our team at HTM Medico. We have been awarded the single largest AED contract in the country, instaling AED machines in all Singapore schools and a number of Singapore Army Camps.

Should you want to invest in your employee’s training in CPR and AED, you can sign them up for our CPR + AED training courses in Singapore. With this, they will learn all the skills and techniques needed to accommodate those who are experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Expect experienced trainers who will guide you through our 3 to 4-hour training course, so you can gain the confidence to act in times of emergencies and ultimately save a life.

To know more about our products and training courses, don’t hesitate to contact us at (65) 6744-5911 or sales@htmmedico.com.sg.