An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a device that analyses the heart rhythm, advises the rescuer of the need for defibrillation, and delivers a shock that attempts to reset the heart and trigger a normal heartbeat. This is the only way to restart a heart.

Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in adults in New Zealand, and early CPR and using a defibrillator give casualties the best chance of survival. Because most cardiac arrests are out-of-hospital, an AED becomes essential First Aid equipment that should ideally be in every business, school, sports ground or public space.

Most defibrillators are of high quality and work very similar to one another. So, choosing the right device depends on your needs, settings and budget. We offer two types of defibrillators – personal CellAED and workplace Mediana A15 HeartON; both are trustworthy, easy to use and well-priced. If you’d like advice, our experts would love to help and advise you on which unit will best suit your scenario.

Unfortunately, no. Sometimes, the damage to a patient’s heart, which causes sudden cardiac arrest, is too extensive, so the heart cannot recover. However, early defibrillation is critical and ideally should occur within 3-5 minutes after collapse, which increases the survival rate from approximately 11% to 50%.

Both cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation are critical components in the Chain of Survival. An AED works in conjunction with CPR, which delivers oxygenated blood to the brain and vital organs, while the defibrillator provides an electrical shock to help the heart reset itself to its natural rhythm. Defibrillation is the only effective treatment for cardiac arrest.

Most modern defibrillators provide graphical, written, and audible prompts to help the rescuer as much as possible. Therefore, the Australian and New Zealand Resuscitation Councils (ANZCOR) advise that AEDs can be used safely and effectively without prior training. However, we recommend formal training, along with CPR, should always be given, where possible. You will get access to online education, and we offer FREE courses with each Mediana A15 HeartON AED purchased in Christchurch. All our general first aid courses also cover that. Contact us to learn how we can come on-site to train your team!

The advice from the Australian and New Zealand Resuscitation Councils (ANZCOR) is that any attempt at resuscitation is better than none, so if infant or paediatric settings and pads are unavailable, rescuers may use adult pads on infants and young children. However, all Mediana and CellAED devices we supply have pediatric mode.

Generally, you should store a defibrillator in a publicly accessible and highly visible area, not a locked cabinet. Ideally, a defibrillator be stored away from direct sunlight, with a temperature of 0°C to 50°C to ensure optimal performance. You should have regular training in businesses and public spaces to ensure everyone knows where they are and how/when to use them. Custom cabinets and signage can help make your AED visible. However, your personal CellAED can be carried wherever you go.

It depends on the make and model of your defibrillator. The Mediana A15 HeartON has a 5-year battery stand-by life, and the pads have a 2-year expiry; they are clearly labelled with an expiry date. We recommend replacing them promptly to ensure your device is always in good working order. The CellAED is a single-use device with a 2-year shelf-life.

Defibrillators are often found in public places like airports, schools, and shopping malls. They may also be found in workplaces, community centres, and other locations where many people gather. You can view AED locations in New Zealand by using https://aedlocations.co.nz

AEDs are extremely safe when used correctly. The electric shock is designed to go through the casualty’s chest from one electrode pad to another. Basic precautions, such as verbally warning others to stand clear and visually checking the area to ensure no one is touching the patient before and during the shock, can ensure the safety of rescuers.

Yes, as long as the usual safety rules are observed. Be sure the victim’s chest is wiped dry. Keep the electrode pads away from a damp or conductive surface and ensure no one touches the casualty when a shock is delivered.