How to choose the right AED (Defibrillator) for your home, business, or community

Are you looking to buy an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Whether it’s for your home, business, school, or sports club, we’ll guide you step by step to find the right device for your needs.

AED per situation

When choosing an AED, it’s important to consider where the device will be placed and who might need to use it. For example, an AED installed in a dusty workshop needs better protection than one in an office. One key factor to look at is the IP rating, which tells you how well the AED can resist dust and water.

You can also look at features like:

• Multilingual support – the AED can switch between languages.
• Resuscitation feedback – voice or visual prompts that guide CPR.
• ECG display – a screen that shows heart rhythm, useful for professionals.

To make your decision easier, we’ve selected AEDs based on the most common user groups. Click on the category that suits your situation:

All AEDs save lives

There are many different types of AEDs from a large number of brands. First, it is good to know that all AEDs save lives. Regardless of the brand or type. This is because every AED should basically be able to do the same thing: explain how to start CPR, analyse the heart rhythm and, based on that, recommend and deliver a shock or not. All AED 's currently for sale in our webshop are approved according to European guidelines and all save lives. No manufacturer can claim that their AED is more life-saving than the other. There is also no correlation between the price of an AED and its ability to save lives.

Big difference: fully and semi-automatic AEDs

A major difference between AEDs is weather they are:

• Fully-automatic – the AED gives a warning, then delivers the shock automatically
• Semi-automatic – you must press a button to deliver the shock after the AED advises it.

Both types are safe and effective, it just comes does to your preference. 

Not quite getting there?

Choosing the right AED can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we’re here to help.
Contact us for free, expert advice, or browse our full AED range to compare all available models.

Those looking to purchase an AED might find themselves overwhelmed by the options available, especially if it's their first time. The range of choices is extensive! We aim to simplify the decision process with this buying guide. It will help clarify which AED is the most suitable for you.

All Defibrillators Save Lives

There are many different types of AEDs from numerous brands. Firstly, it's important to know that all AEDs save lives, regardless of the brand or type. Essentially, every AED must be capable of the same basic functions: providing instructions on starting resuscitation, analysing the heart rhythm, and recommending and delivering a shock based on that analysis. All AEDs currently available in the Irish market are approved according to European guidelines and all save lives equally. No manufacturer can claim that their AED has the potential to save more lives than another. There's also no correlation between the price of an AED and its ability to save lives.

Key Difference: Fully Automatic and Semi-Automatic AEDs

One of the major differences between AEDs lies in whether they are fully automatic or semi-automatic. A fully automatic AED will determine if a shock is necessary and, if so, administer it automatically. With a semi-automatic, a button must be pressed manually to deliver the shock. Both types save lives!

Which AED is Best for My Situation?

When choosing an AED, it's important to consider the necessary specifications, including the location of the AED and who might use it. For instance, if the AED will be placed in a workshop, it needs to have higher dust resistance compared to one in an office. This IP rating is a crucial factor in selecting an AED. Additionally, other features to consider include multilingual capabilities, resuscitation feedback, and the ability to display ECG for professionals.

You can find a suitable AED for every situation on our web shop. To simplify your decision-making process, we've already made selections for the following user groups:

• AEDs for home use
• AEDs for communities
• AEDs for sports clubs
• AEDs for swimming pools
• AEDs for professionals
• AEDs for companies 
• AEDs for schools
• AEDs for housing associations

Explore our entire AED range.