AEDs for home use

With advancements in technology, modern at-home AEDs guide users through the process with clear voice prompts and visual cues, making them accessible even for those without medical expertise. These models excel in ease of use, low maintenance and have a 10 year warranty.

Storing your home AED

It is important to store your device in the right way to ensure its functionality and to ensure it's ready for immediate use during emergencies. Adequate storage protects the device from damage, extends its lifespan, and allows for quick accessibility when needed. 

A home AED that will be placed on the exterior wall of the house, should be stored in a heated outdoor cabinet. An outdoor cabinet protects the device against the weather influences and ensures optimal visibility in the community. If you would like to store the AED inside, an indoor cabinet or wall bracket will be the best choice for you. Most devices come with a carry case. The carry case is also sufficient storage for at home and is ideal for those who travel often.

Ensuring your home AED is always ready for use

To ensure your AED is always ready for use in an emergency, it is important to maintain the device. The recommended home AEDs mentioned above require low maintenance. It is however important to check the device regularly. 

All devices run a self-check, either weekly or monthly, depending on the device. It is therefore not needed to turn the device on and off every day to check if the device works as it should as this runs down the battery. Simply check the status indicator to see if anything is amiss or needs replacing. It is also important to keep an eye on the expiry date of the electrodes. When the electrodes are expired, the gel is dried out and cannot be used on a casualty.

If you want to minimize maintenance efforts, you can choose one of our maintenance plans. This way, the device is checked and tested periodically, and/or parts are replaced on time.

Recommended at home AEDs

The Philips Heartstart HS1 AED is also known as the Philips Home AED. Due to its user-friendliness, this is a popular device for home use. The Zoll AED Plus is also very suitable for in or around the house, especially with the CPRD electrodes. These electrodes come as a one-piece, preventing incorrect placement.

Is it worth buying a defibrillator for home?

In approximately 70 to 80% of cases, cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals, often in and around the home. Having a home AED in Ireland can make a significant difference in saving the life of a family member, housemate, or neighbour. However, purchasing a defibrillator for home use might not be practical if you live alone, as you would need someone else to operate the device during a cardiac arrest.

It’s also important to consider if your partner or housemate is capable of using the AED. The person must be able to bend down and work on the floor; if they are unable to do this, a home AED may not be useful. Nonetheless, you can choose to purchase a community AED and install it on the outside wall of your house, making it accessible to everyone in the neighbourhood in case of an emergency.

Having an AED in your community can be a life-saving resource for everyone in your local area. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if purchasing a home defibrillator is necessary for your situation. Investing in an for your home or community can significantly increase the chances of survival during a cardiac emergency.

How long do home defibrillators last?

The lifespan of a home defibrillator is estimated to be around 10 years. How long your home defibrillator lasts in Ireland depends on the quality of the device and how regularly and well AED maintenance is performed throughout its lifetime. Regular AED maintenance is crucial for ensuring the device is always ready to use in an emergency.

By choosing a reliable AED maintenance partner, such as Medisol, you can ensure that your AED receives the necessary upkeep. Medisol offers comprehensive maintenance services that keep your AED in top condition, ensuring its longevity and reliability. Proper maintenance includes regular checks, battery replacements, and software updates. Read more about AED lifespan on our page “How long does an AED defibrillator last?”.

Buy an AED for home

Investing in an at-home AED offers peace of mind, knowing that you are equipped to handle cardiac emergencies swiftly. It's a proactive step towards ensuring the safety of your family and loved ones. In critical situations, time is of the essence, and having an AED at home can significantly increase the chances of survival until professional help arrives.

Can a civilian buy a defibrillator?

Everyone can purchase and use a defibrillator when needed. As a civilian, you do not need a doctor’s prescription to buy an AED. At online stores like AEDexpert.ie by Medisol, you can easily buy a home AED online.