Ease of Use: AEDs should be user-friendly, as they may be operated by non-medical personnel. Look for models with clear voice prompts, intuitive interfaces, and visual aids that guide users through the resuscitation process.

Durability and Portability: Schools often require AEDs to be easily transportable and able to withstand daily wear and tear. Opt for lightweight and robust devices that can withstand harsh conditions and frequent use.

Child and Adult Capabilities: Select an AED that provides both adult and pediatric settings. Pediatric mode adjusts the energy level and CPR instructions to suit the needs of children, ensuring appropriate treatment in all situations.

Training and Support: Consider AEDs that come with comprehensive training materials and resources, such as instructional videos and practice scenarios. Some manufacturers even offer training programs specifically designed for schools.

Maintenance and Self-Testing: Look for AEDs that conduct regular self-tests to ensure their functionality. Models with easily replaceable batteries and electrode pads help simplify maintenance requirements.

Recommended AEDs for Schools:

Philips HeartStart OnSite: Philips HeartStart OnSite: The Philips HeartStart OnSite AED is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. It is intended to be used by both trained rescuers and bystanders with minimal training. The AED provides clear voice prompts and visual instructions to guide the rescuer through each step of the rescue process, ensuring proper usage and effective response. The HeartStart OnSite AED utilizes SMART Analysis, an intelligent technology that assesses the patient’s heart rhythm and determines whether a shock is needed. It automatically analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm and advises the rescuer on when to deliver a shock, ensuring appropriate and timely treatment. The OnSite AED offers a Quick Shock feature, which minimizes the time between CPR and defibrillation. After the initial CPR cycle, if a shockable rhythm is detected, the AED reduces the time required for charging the device, allowing for prompt delivery of a shock. The AED includes clear visual aids and diagrams on the electrode pads, providing guidance on proper pad placement. This feature helps the rescuer accurately position the pads on the patient’s chest, ensuring effective delivery of the shock and optimizing treatment. The OnSite AED performs regular self-tests to ensure operational readiness. It conducts daily, weekly, and monthly self-checks to verify battery status, pad integrity, and overall functionality. The device features a green “Ready” indicator, which confirms that the AED is in working order and ready for use. Philips provides training options for the HeartStart OnSite AED, including training units and instructional materials. These resources allow businesses to conduct training sessions and familiarize employees with the device’s operation and CPR techniques. Pediatric pads should be purchased for a school setting.

https://fc-safety.com/product/philips-heartstart-onsite-with-standard-carry-case-m5066a-c01/

ZOLL AED 3: Our Top Choice:  The ZOLL AED 3 is a reliable and innovative AED designed for ease of use and durability. It features enhanced Real CPR Help technology, providing real-time feedback on the quality of CPR being performed. The AED 3 has a touchscreen interface with intuitive icons and voice prompts, making it easy for non-medical personnel to operate. It supports adult and pediatric modes, adapting to the needs of all patients. The AED 3 also offers Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling remote monitoring and the ability to access event data for post-event analysis. With a high IP55 rating, it is resistant to dust and water, making it suitable for various environments.

https://fc-safety.com/product/zoll-aed-3/

ZOLL AED Plus: ZOLL AED Plus: One of the standout features of the ZOLL AED Plus is its real-time CPR feedback. It uses ZOLL’s unique “Real CPR Help” technology to monitor and provide guidance on the depth and rate of chest compressions during CPR. The device provides visual and audio prompts to assist rescuers in delivering effective CPR. The ZOLL AED Plus utilizes a unique electrode pad called “CPR-D-padz.” These pads have a built-in accelerometer that can detect the depth and rate of chest compressions. They also provide visual prompts for proper hand placement during CPR, ensuring the rescuer administers high-quality compressions. The AED Plus uses consumer-grade lithium batteries, which are widely available and cost-effective. These batteries offer an impressive five-year shelf life and can provide approximately five years of standby power or deliver 300 shocks. The device also performs regular self-tests to ensure battery readiness. The ZOLL AED Plus is known for its durability and user-friendly design. It features a simple interface with a large, intuitive display and oversized buttons for easy operation, even in high-stress situations. The device provides clear voice and text prompts to guide the rescuer through each step of the rescue process. The ZOLL AED Plus includes other valuable features, such as built-in self-testing and status indicators to ensure the device is always ready for use. It also supports data transfer, allowing rescue data to be easily downloaded and reviewed for analysis. ZOLL offers training packages and AED Plus trainers, which simulate the functionality of the actual AED for effective training sessions. This allows businesses to train their employees on AED usage and CPR techniques, increasing overall preparedness. It has a rugged design, simple operation, and supports both adult and pediatric modes. Pediatric pads should be purchased for a school setting.

https://fc-safety.com/product/zoll-aed-plus/

Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2: The LIFEPAK CR2 AED is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it suitable for both trained rescuers and laypersons. It provides clear voice and visual prompts to guide the rescuer through each step of the rescue process. The device features a large, high-resolution screen that displays graphics and text for easy comprehension. One of the key features of the LIFEPAK CR2 is its real-time CPR feedback technology. It utilizes CPR Insight, which provides real-time guidance on the quality of CPR being performed. The device offers visual and audio prompts, instructing the rescuer to “Push Harder” or “Good Compressions” based on the depth and rate of chest compressions. The CR2 AED is built with ruggedness and durability in mind. It meets military standards for shock and vibration resistance, ensuring reliability even in challenging environments. Its IP55 rating makes it highly resistant to dust and water, allowing it to withstand tough conditions. The LIFEPAK CR2 AED offers customizable energy levels, allowing the rescuer to adjust the shock energy based on the patient’s needs. This feature ensures that the appropriate amount of energy is delivered for effective defibrillation. The CR2 AED supports advanced connectivity options, enabling seamless data management and remote monitoring. It can connect to LIFELINKcentral, which provides organizations with the ability to remotely monitor device readiness, track usage, and manage AED programs efficiently. The LIFEPAK CR2 offers a child mode feature, which allows for easy transition between adult and pediatric patients. By simply pressing the child mode button, the device automatically adjusts its prompts, energy levels, and CPR guidance for pediatric patients. Physio-Control offers training options for the CR2 AED, including training units that simulate the device’s functionality for realistic training scenarios. These training solutions ensure that users are familiar with the operation of the AED and can effectively respond during emergencies.

https://fc-safety.com/product/physio-control-lifepak-cr2/

Cardiac Science Powerheart G5: Defibtech Lifeline VIEW G5 AED features a sleek and intuitive design, making it easy to use for both trained rescuers and bystanders. Its bright and clear color display provides visual instructions and prompts to guide the user through each step of the rescue process. The AED’s interface is designed to be user-friendly and helps build user confidence during a high-stress situation. One of the standout features of the Lifeline VIEW G5 AED is its full-color video display. During the rescue process, the AED displays a step-by-step instructional video that visually demonstrates how to apply the electrode pads, perform CPR, and operate the device. This feature can be particularly helpful for individuals who may be less familiar with AED usage. The Lifeline VIEW G5 AED offers real-time CPR feedback to ensure proper chest compressions. It provides clear visual and audio prompts to guide the rescuer on the correct compression depth and rate. This feedback feature helps optimize the quality of CPR being performed, increasing the chances of a successful resuscitation. The G5 AED is designed for easy maintenance and readiness. It performs regular self-checks, including battery status, electrode pad readiness, and internal circuitry, and visually displays the readiness status on the screen. The AED also provides clear audio and visual indicators when maintenance or replacement is required, ensuring that it is always ready for use. The Lifeline VIEW G5 AED is powered by a long-life lithium battery with a standby life of up to 7 years. This extended battery life reduces the need for frequent battery replacements and ensures that the AED is ready for use when needed. The G5 AED supports data management and connectivity options, allowing for the retrieval of rescue data for post-event review and analysis. Some models offer integrated Wi-Fi or USB connectivity, enabling seamless transfer of rescue data to a computer or external device for further analysis or reporting purposes. Defibtech offers training units specifically designed for the Lifeline VIEW G5 AED, allowing organizations to conduct training sessions effectively. These training units simulate the AED’s operation without delivering a shock, ensuring that users are familiar with the device’s functions and can confidently respond during an emergency. Pediatric pads must be purchased for a school setting.

https://fc-safety.com/product/cardiac-science-powerheart-g5/

Defibtech Lifeline VIEW: The Lifeline VIEW AED is known for its user-friendly design and clear interface. It features a large, full-color interactive screen that displays step-by-step instructions, guiding the rescuer through the entire rescue process. The visual prompts and animated illustrations help provide clarity and build confidence during a high-stress situation. One of the key features of the Lifeline VIEW AED is its real-time CPR feedback technology. It provides clear visual and audio prompts to guide the rescuer on the correct compression depth and rate during CPR. The AED analyzes the chest compressions and provides immediate feedback on the quality of CPR being performed, helping the rescuer deliver effective chest compressions. The Lifeline VIEW AED incorporates ClearVoice™ technology, which adjusts the volume and clarity of the voice prompts based on the ambient noise level. This ensures that the voice prompts are loud and clearly audible in various environments, helping rescuers hear and follow the instructions effectively. The Lifeline VIEW AED is powered by a long-life lithium battery with a standby life of up to 7 years. This extended battery life reduces the need for frequent battery replacements and ensures that the AED is always ready for use in an emergency. The AED performs regular self-checks to ensure its readiness for use. It conducts daily, weekly, and monthly self-tests to verify battery status, pad readiness, and overall functionality. The device displays a readiness status indicator to confirm its operational readiness, and it provides audible and visual alerts if maintenance or attention is required. The Lifeline VIEW AED supports data management and connectivity options. It allows rescue data to be easily retrieved and transferred to a computer or external device for post-event review and analysis. Some models offer integrated USB or SD card connectivity, simplifying data transfer and reporting. Defibtech offers training units specifically designed for the Lifeline VIEW AED, enabling organizations to conduct effective training sessions. These training units mimic the AED’s operation without delivering a shock, providing hands-on practice, and ensuring that users are familiar with the device’s functions. Pediatric pads must be purchased in a school setting.

https://fc-safety.com/product/defibtech-lifeline-view/

When considering an AED for school use, the Philips HeartStart OnSite, Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2, ZOLL AED Plus, Cardiac Science Powerheart G5, Defibtech Lifeline VIEW, and ZOLL AED 3 are all excellent choices. These AEDs prioritize ease of use, durability, and comprehensive training features. Each model has its unique advantages, so schools should assess their specific requirements and select the AED that best aligns with their needs. Remember, proper training for staff members is crucial to ensure effective utilization of these life-saving devices in emergency situations. FC Safety offers CPR, AED, BBP, and First Aid training done in-person or virtually by our certified American Red Cross trainers serving all states in the US.