What Is the Cost of a Defibrillator?

Buying a defibrillator is crucial for your business or organization. With an AED machine, you’re ensuring everyone’s safety in case of emergencies. While the cost of an AED defibrillator varies, ranging from $900 to $2,500, we’ve prepared a buyer’s guide to help you make informed decisions when purchasing an AED.

What Type of AED Should You Buy?

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) help save individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Before buying one, you need to know the different types of AED — semi-automatic or fully automatic AED.

With semi-automatic AEDs, you can assess the heart’s rhythm. If abnormalities are found, the AED will signal you to press the button for defibrillation shock. Using a semi-automated AED gives you total control of the situation. You can ensure that no one’s touching the patient, and only then will you press the shock button. Thus, there’s no risk of other people getting shocked.

However, using semi-automatic AEDs also has disadvantages. There may be delays when pressing the shock button, or worse, you may fail to press it. This is especially true if you shock a family member. If you panic, then using a semi-automatic AED is more prone to user error.

With fully automated AEDs, the heart is analyzed, and if it detects the need for defibrillation shock, it will automatically deliver the shock. Like a semi-automatic AED, a fully automatic AED has its pros and cons. First, it gives visual prompts, ensuring that no one’s touching the patient. There are also no hesitations to press the shock button, avoiding delays and reducing errors. However, you need to make sure that there’s no other person holding the patient before the shock is delivered.

The cost of defibrillators between the two types of AEDs ranges from $50 to $100. For several AED units, there’s little to no difference with the defibrillator machine cost.

Buying an AED Machine

When buying an AED machine, look for the following features to ensure you’re getting value for money while saving lives:

• Ease of Use: The AED machine should have clear instructions, so that anyone in your business or organization, including those who don’t have sufficient training, can use the device during emergencies.
• Pads: You can choose from adult pads and pediatric pads. If your organization usually comes into contact with children below eight years old, purchase pediatric pads. Also, check how long you have to replace the pads.
• Battery Life: As battery life differs per manufacturer, find out how many years (usually two to five) it will take before you should replace the batteries.
• Warranty: Know what is covered in the warranty for AED. Note that accessories like pads have separate warranties. Is there a service plan? Do service calls include fees?
• CPR Assistance: Several manufacturers have added CPR help features to AEDs. With audible voice instruction, you can maintain the correct compression rates.
• Training: The AED shouldn’t require much training for it to be used. However, ensure training compatibility as for some AED devices you need to get an independent training unit.
• Damage Resistance: An AED includes a two-digit International Protection Rating or Ingress Protection Rating. The first digit shows protection from solids, like dust and grime, while the second digit indicates the level of protection from water (0 to 8, with 8 as the most protected). If marked X, the AED machine was not tested, or no rating was given.

How Much Does a Defibrillator Cost?

Automated defibrillator cost varies per manufacturer. Entry-level models range from $900 to $1,200. Meanwhile, a premium office defibrillator costs over $2,500. Semi-automatic and fully automatic defibrillators usually have minimal price differences, ranging from $50 to $100, with the former being a bit more costly.

As shown in our AED comparison chart, each type and model contains different features, explaining the varying cost of defibrillators. For instance, while most AED models have voice prompts, others include an LED prompt. They display text on a screen, repeating the things that the voice prompt has said.

There are also AEDs that contain various graphics. While they do not have any effect on the efficacy of AED, these large screens and color displays come in handy, especially if you are rescuing in noisy surroundings. No matter what angle, you can easily see the screen.

Some automatic defibrillator machines offer instructions in several languages, too. Others provide treatment for both adults and children. The longevity of electrode pads and batteries also differ for each model, hence the price difference.

Additionally, the IP rating for each AED machine differs. While some models have higher International Protection Ratings, others have lower rates or do not have any. Warranty may be a factor as well. Some offer five years, while others have an eight-year warranty period. The shocking energy per AED differs, with 200 to 360 joules as the usual range. All of these factors contribute to the differences in the cost of defibrillator per type.

What’s the Cost of AED Training?

Defibrillator training costs that cover various organizations’ sizes usually range from $300 to $700. Anyone, including those who haven’t undergone training, can use AEDs. However, getting trained on how to use defibrillators helps you respond to an emergency quickly, confidently, and efficiently. With proper training, you can also avoid dangerous situations. So, you should get first-aid training and certification, including performing CPR properly, testing and maintaining AEDs, what to check before using AEDs, and how to use them carefully.

Training programs will also help you understand the anatomy of heart conditions and the different equipment you may need together with AED, like razors and cutting shears. You can pick classroom training, where you will receive a complete and conventional experience in person. Or, you can also opt for blended training — learn from your mobile device or computer and then finish the training and evaluation in person.

Moreover, you can choose from classes tailored to healthcare providers, workplaces, or communities, depending on your needs. Generally, at least 10 people should be trained in one organization for faster response during emergencies. However, if you have a bigger organization or business, then more people should be trained for AED and CPR certification.

You will also have to get a recertification for AED/CPR every 2 years to ensure that you don’t forget the necessary steps and skills when using the machine and trying to save someone’s life. Average costs for recertification range from $65 to $140. There are some courses offered for less but be weary that these courses are not normally recognized by licensing boards and OSHA. You will want more than just a training course ‘that uses AHA guidelines’ but one that offers a legitimate AHA, HSI, or Red Cross certificate.

What’s the Cost of AED Maintenance?

Maintenance costs vary per manufacturer. One crucial aspect of AED maintenance is replacing specific parts, such as the electrode pads and batteries. Usually, pads expire in two to four years, and you can get them for $70 to $190. Meanwhile, batteries have to be replaced after four or five years. You will have to spend around $175 to $250.

Such replacements are necessary to ensure that your AED machines function well, ready to save lives. Doing so also helps you comply with state laws, avoid lawsuits, and ensure your safety and other members of the organization. For proper and regular AED maintenance checks, make sure to follow manufacturers’ recommendations and instructions.

Having your AED machines serviced annually is recommended, too. That is why it’s necessary to consider the warranty period, the lifespan of both batteries and pads, and the service contract. Learning how often you have to replace the batteries and pads and how much the service package is allows you to estimate the total AED maintenance costs.

Some manufacturers may also suggest additional maintenance, like cleaning or checking connections. In specific states, you may have to purchase extra materials, like first-aid kits and CPR manikins for hands-on CPR/AED training.

Cost of AED Kits & Accessories

• Zoll AED Plus: It is known for its excellent performance and durability with a seven-year warranty. With one-piece CPR-D padz, it allows real-time feedback on CPR compression rates. Priced at $2,100, the AED kit comes with consumer batteries that last for five years. Given its premium features, it’s heavier than other models.
• Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 AED: It offers an AED with an eight-year warranty, one set of adult electrode pads, a battery pack with a four-year warranty, and a high-quality carry case. With Rescue Ready technology, it gives real-time feedback throughout the rescue process. This $1,820 model also delivers a shock in less than 10 seconds.
• Philips HeartStart Onsite AED: This comes with a reliable AED and one set of adult pads cartridges. It facilitates real-time feedback on CPR compression frequency and depth. Although designed for businesses, anyone — including those without training — can use this model. At $1,470, you get a reliable product with a five-year warranty.
• HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P and 360P AED: This AED model is straightforward, easy to use, and lightweight. With an adult electrode pad and battery combo, it only requires one item replacement. You can choose from 350P (semi-automatic) and 360P (fully automatic) options. With real-time coaching and a simple design, anyone can easily use this $1,315 AED.
• Defibtech Lifeline AED: Another simple but reliable AED is this model from Defibtech. It comes with unique LEDs rather than LCD screens for clearer and brighter visual instructions. For only $1,245, you get an eight-year warranty for the AED and five-year warranty for the battery. It’s also less heavy than other models.

Calculating the Total Cost of AED Ownership

While the average cost of a defibrillator ranges from $900 to $2,500, it’s highly beneficial for your organization or business, especially during emergencies. Before purchasing one, consider several factors, like the ease of use, pads and battery life, warranty period, CPR assistance, training, and damage resistance.

Although you can use AEDs even without substantial training, getting one gives you more confidence when trying to save lives with the machine and avoid unnecessary accidents. There are maintenance costs too, including the replacement for pads and batteries and getting your AED machines serviced. To calculate total AED costs, whether you belong to a small or large organization, you need to look at the initial AED cost and the lifespan of the battery and pads.

For instance, the Cardiac Science G5 AED initially costs $1,820 with an eight-year warranty. Since the battery has a four-year warranty, you will replace it twice for $790. Then, the electrode pads are good for two years, so you’ll replace them four times for $276. Therefore, in a span of eight years, you will need $1,066 in addition to the initial $1,820 price, giving you a total of $2,880.

So, choose trusted AED kits that offer long warranty periods and advanced features, like Zoll AED Plus, Philips HeartStart Onsite AED, HeartSine Samaritan PAD AED, and Defibtech Lifeline AED. To learn more about AEDS, the types of AED training that fits your organization or business, and discover more choices of AEDs, check out our site!