Manufacturer Reputation

An AED is a complex electronic device that must be trusted to work flawlessly when needed, even after long periods of inattention, and in harsh environments. Just as when buying a car, looking at the history of problems that an AED has had, and the overall track record of the manufacturer is strongly suggested.

Unfortunately, as a whole, the AED industry has had it share of problems in recent years. As many as 25% of all AEDs manufactured have been the subject of some sort of recall or FDA-reported corrective action recently. In fact, one major manufacturer had such extensive quality control problems with their defibrillators, that the FDA recently required them to stop shipping their products. So how do you really know if you’re buying a reliable AED? We look to two sources of objective data – FDA Enforcement Reports (recalls and corrective actions) and the FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Experience (MAUDE) database (complaints). This information paints an unbiased picture of what can be expected from the various manufacturers.

Analysis of the data show glaring differences in the reliability history of AED manufacturers. Philips HeartStart AEDs have the fewest recalls of all major AED manufacturers, and have the fewest number of MAUDE database complaints per unit sold, despite having the largest number of AEDs in service. We feel these facts speak for themselves.

Manufacturer Stability

Buying an AED is really the beginning of a long term relationship with the AED’s manufacturer. Over time, you will need replacement pads and batteries, specific to your AED, from the manufacturer. If a problem or recall ever occurs with the AED, you will want to have chosen a manufacturer that stands behind its products, and has the stability to be there in the long run.

The AED industry has seen its share of manufacturers suffer financial and regulatory problems, and eventually go out of business. Leaving owners stranded with AEDs that face recalls, and for which pads and batteries cannot be obtained. Suddenly that slightly cheaper AED from the unknown manufacturer is not such a great bargain.

Philips HeartStart AEDs are made in the U.S. by Philips Medical Systems – one of the world’s largest medical products companies with annual revenue of over $6 billion. Philips is presently the world’s largest maker of AEDs, and the number one sold AED brand in the U.S. for layperson use

Self-Testing

Most AEDs spend a lot of time in “standby” mode, and don’t see a lot of real physical use. It is essential that an AED monitor its condition during this time and warn its owner if it detects a potential problem, such as a low battery. Most AED models do some degree of self-testing. However the similarity ends there. AED models vary greatly in how frequently they self-test, and how comprehensive the testing is.

By comparison, Philips HeartStart AEDs put themselves through an extensive series of tests on a daily basis. Philips OnSite and FRx defibrillators even test and measure the moisture of the pre-connected defibrillator pads, to ensure they are ready for use. Audible and visual warnings indicate if an AED is not ready for use.