FDA approved AEDs

Here is some interesting information on FDA approved AEDs and their usage in public locations. In some cases, when the automated external defibrillator unit is also used by paramedics in hospitals for monitoring different events, the AED needs to have a screen as well. It is very useful to see all the AED commands on a big screen, so that the defibrillation is performed correctly. Most automated external defibrillators have small screens that are also very useful. For specialized AED equipment a printer is also highly recommended and very helpful in keeping the record of the defibrillation. It is also useful when the defibrillation process is reported, as this provides you with an excellent record of the event.

In most cases, after having performed a public defibrillation, the event must be recorded and reported for medical control. The event may have a written record. However, if more complex statistics are required than you should probably choose a multifaceted FDA approved automated external defibrillator - in some cases the info will need to be downloaded and collected by the centers that handle and deposit this evidence.

The US Food and Drug Administration have currently approved some cutting edge medical AED devices. The Heartstream FR2 AEDs (model numbers M3860A and M3861A) and Laerdal Heartstart FR2 AEDs (model numbers M3840A and M3841A) with Attenuated Defibrillation Pads (model number M3870A) are some recently FDA approved AED models. These models are specially designed to save young children's lives by restoring a normal cardiac rhythm. In order to make this device work on young children, the manufacturers have attached some attenuators on the pads of the automated external defibrillator. These attenuators reduce the shock that is delivered to the child by almost 60%. These models are effective on children under 8 or under 55 pounds of weight. However, it may be used on adults as well, if no other AED is available in an emergency situation. These new models of FDA approved AEDs for young children may reduce the number of deaths among children who go through a sudden cardiac arrest.

Another type of recently approved AED is the HeartStart Home Defibrillator (model number M5068A) manufactured by Philips Medical Systems. This AED may be used at home and may be purchased without prescription. This type of FDA approved automated external defibrillators is recommended for people that have former experience with ventricular fibrillation or have a heart condition. By having an FDA approved AED around at all times, the patients with cardiac history improve their chances of survival. Otherwise, while waiting for an ambulance to come, the patient may die. This type of AED has step-by-step instructions so it may be easily used by anyone. The HeartStart emergency kit contains also coaching brochures for performing CPR in case this procedure is needed. Warning: everyone using this FDA approved AED device must have training in CPR and resuscitation procedures.

The HeartStart may be used on adults or children over the age of 8 in case of sudden cardiac arrest or if the patient does not breathe normally or does not respond when shaken. The HeartStart is specially designed for home use. Special adhesive pads are available by prescription in case you need to use this device on young children.

This automatic external defibrillator is intended for home emergencies. Still, you will have to call for an ambulance, as this procedure does not replace proper medical care. After the procedure has been performed, a paramedic should do a check-up on the patient.

More information on FDA approved AEDs is available in our other resources.