How Much Does an AED Usually Cost?

Purchasing an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is an important step towards the safety of the people in your organization or business. In order to protect those involved, investing in an AED is a great way to be prepared for critical and life-threatening situations. In these situations, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is vital, and an AED plays a crucial role.

The problem is it can be tricky to figure out exactly how much an AED will cost. Because of this, we prepared this guide that covers the average prices of devices. So, here’s the breakdown of AED device costs along with the costs of maintenance.

What To Look For In AEDs

All AEDs perform basically the same function, they deliver a shock in order to restore normal heart rhythms. There are, however, certain things you should look for when deciding on the best AEDs for your needs and requirements.

Here are a few things:

• One of the first things you should look at is affordability. Generally, the less features the AED has, the cheaper it will be. This means you have to consider whether the extra features you’ll get with a more expensive device are worth it. When it comes to affordability, you could also consider vendors where you receive free shipping, so you can save some money there.
• Simple and Straightforward. Ideally, you should get an AED that is easy to use so that anyone that hasn’t had training can use it.
• Visual Guidance. Although all AEDs are relatively simple to use, it is helpful to have visual guidance in the device that can help untrained persons to use the device.
• Compact and Portable. AEDs vary quite a bit when it comes to size and weight. This is something you’ll need to consider depending on where you’ll use the AED. For instance, if it’s just in your office, it’s not necessary to be that light and compact. In contrast, if you’ll be traveling with it, it’s better to look for a compact and light device.
• Multiple Languages. Tying into the ease of use to a certain extent, a device that offers instructions in multiple languages is very helpful. This means anybody, irrespective of what language they speak, will be able to use the device.
• When you shop AEDs, it’s important to consider the warranty that you get on the device. If at all possible, look for the device with the longest warranty.
• FDA Approved. It’s always better to buy a device that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Should You Purchase an AED?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) it’s recommended to have an AED readily available on job sites. Here, they provide the following guidelines for the availability and use of AEDs in the workplace in cases of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or ventricular fibrillation:

• Designated employees that are authorized to use defibrillators in emergency situations.
• Employees should be trained on the proper use of AEDs.
• AEDs should be placed in areas where they can be reached within 3 to 5 minutes of a cardiac arrest.
• In-office AEDs should be inspected, tested, and maintained as per the manufacturer’s specifications.

Apart from these guidelines, AEDs are often are required to be in places like sports facilities, schools, buildings with a high volume of people, medical buildings, assisted living facilities, and other locations which have a high risk for cardiac incidents.

Regardless of whether your office or business falls under the OSHA guidelines or not, it’s always good to have an AED because they save lives in emergencies. It’s great option for companies who prioritize workplace safety.

Costs of an AED Medical Device

Although a lot of research and development goes into AEDs and their prices are quite steep, they have become more readily available which led to them becoming more affordable.

For more affordable models you can expect to pay between $900 and $1,200 for an entry-level model. At the high end of the scale, the prices of the top-of-the-range AEDs can exceed $2000.

Keep in mind, though, that, like many other things, the price depends on the additional features and components you choose with the device. These can include everything from wall mounts, to signage, and emergency response kits. So, you’ll need to consider which AED accessories you want to purchase with your device to determine your final cost.

Costs of AED Maintenance

The costs of an AED device don’t stop with the initial purchase, though. You’ll also have to carry the costs of AED maintenance. For example, you’ll have to make provision for things like replacement pads and batteries and this has to be factored into the cost of ownership. We have a great AED comparison chart so you can see the lifetime cost of ownership for the most popular models.

An AED electrode pad can cost between $70-190 per set. These pads expire after about two to four years, and then need to be replaced. You’ll also have to consider the costs of lithium batteries. These batteries need to be replaced every 4 to 5 years and this will cost you on average about $175-250.

Lastly, there are the costs related to AED compliance. All states have some sort of requirement which generally includes an annual prescription, a written emergency action plan, and a monthly inspection log. You should consider an AED program management service that helps you remain compliant with your state’s AED regulations.

Final Thoughts

I hope this article was helpful in giving you some guidance as you choose the best AED for your organization. If you are interested in purchasing an AED, you can you shop our wide selection of AEDs.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.