Your goal is to find the automated
external defibrillator (AED) that's best for you and your company,
but how do you do it? Crashcarts.com helps you make the right decision by
helping you ask the right questions! Read our helpful list of
frequently
asked questions and answers below:
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Shouldn't
I just buy the same AED used by my local fire-rescue unit
or ambulance?
AEDs used by EMTs and Paramedics may be intimidating
to lay persons trained only in CPR. Often, they're more
expensive, too. Purchase an AED that you and your cohorts can
use comfortably and one that
fits your budget.
-
I've
seen the term "biphasic" used
in brochures of all brands to describe how AEDs deliver shocks.
What does
this mean?
When a shock is
required for cardiac arrest, all new defibrillators deliver
one that is biphasic. This means that “current that first flows
in a positive direction for a specified duration. In the
second phase the device
reverses
the direction of current so that it flows in a negative
direction. Older
models deliver what is called a monophasic shock. Purchasing
an AED that uses monophasic technology means you're probably
buying an older used machine.
Crashcarts.com only sells factory new biphasic AEDs!
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What
about companies that offer "free" on-site maintenance,
is there any "value" to it? AEDs
are virtually maintenance-free. Almost all brands perform a regular
electronic self-check
with an indicator that the AED is in a "ready" state.
An AED will notify you if it's not functioning properly
with a flashing
light and
audible sound! Some
companies offer "on-site" maintenance to "calibrate" or "test
shock" the machine. These tests are unnecessary and do nothing
more than wear out the device's battery before it's time.
Buy an AED that tests
itself for the presence of pre-connected pads, too. Some
AEDs will pass their electronic self-test even if the
pads are missing!
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What is
a typical warranty on an AED?
All new AEDs
come with a manufacturer's 5-year warranty.
Accepting anything
less than a 5-year warranty means you're purchasing
a used or "refurbished" machine.
Look for it in your quote!
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What is
medical authorization and what is it for?
Medical
authorization is a written
prescription from a doctor authorizing
us to send an AED to
you. Any AED sales company will require this prior
to an AED purchase. The law has proven to be unenforceable
and therefore isn’t enforced. There
are even law changes that have made it unnecessary
in some areas. If you have a prescription from your doctor
when you order, please mail it to us
at the address on the “contact us” page.
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So what
is medical direction and oversight?
Many customers
who buy AEDs want "quality
control" after the purchase as well as
help determining company policies about how and when
an AED will be used, maintenance of AEDs, and training.
Look at the Crashcarts.com “links” page
for standardized forms and guidelines.
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So let's
talk price!
Buy an AED you can afford that
has the features important to you. If you aren’t sure about a feature, just
call us and ask. It’s TOLL-FREE! 1-888-989-6337
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Who
are the people at Crashcarts.com®?
The
entire staff at Crashcarts.com are present day EMTs and Paramedics!
All of us have
used defibrillators in the field and have had our share
of "saves." We're
not just salespeople. We actually care!
AHA Scientific Statement: Low-Energy Biphasic Waveform
Defibrillation: Evidence-Based Review Applied to Emergency Cardiovascular
Care Guidelines