With only a little training, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are extremely simple to use
If you learn to operate one automated external defibrillator (AED), you can pretty much operate them all. That said, with AED manufacturers being in competition with one another, they are also all trying to add “bells and whistles” to make their defibrillators unique (and, hopefully, better in some way).
Therefore, there are distinct differences in how different brands and different models of AEDs are used. But once you’ve learned how to operate one — if you remember to stay calm and breathe — you should be able to figure out how to operate most any brand and most any model of AED.
CPR-Twin Cities does not endorse any particular manufacturer, nor any particular model. However, for your convenience, here are some product demo videos, produced by a handful of major AED manufacturers and CPR trainers. (Please note: we also do not endorse the way CPR, itself, is performed in these videos.)
AED demonstrations from various manufacturers
Philips HeartStart OnSite (our favorite, as it’s amazingly intuitive)
Philips HeartStart FRx (includes an infant/child key)
Medtronic (Physio-Control) LIFEPAK CR Plus (available in fully automatic and semi automatic models)
Medtronic (Physio-Control) LIFEPAK 1000 (available in fully automatic and semi automatic models)
Zoll Fully Automatic AED Plus (available in fully- and semi-automatic models)
HeartSine Samaritan 350P PAD (semi-automated AED)
HeartSine Samaritan 450P and 360P (450P is an updated version of 350P, but with a rate status indicator; and the 360P is fully automated)
What’s the purpose of performing CPR? What’s the purpose of using an AED? Get answers here.