Characterization of available automated external defibrillators in the market based on the product manuals in 2014.
BACKGROUND
To popularize the wide-spread use of automated external defibrillator (AED) to save life in sudden cardiac arrest, we compared the strength and weakness of different types of AEDs to enable a sound selection based on regional requirement.


METHODS
This was a retrospective descriptive study. Different types of AEDs were compared according to the information of AEDs from manuals and brochures provided by the manufacturers. Fifteen types of AEDs were divided into 3 groups, basic, intermediate and advanced.


RESULTS
Lifeline™ AUTO AED had the best performance in price, portability and user-friendly among AEDs of basic level. It required less time for shock charging. Samaritan PAD defibrillator was superior in price, portability, durability and characteristic among AEDs of intermediate level. It had the longest warranty and highest protection against water and dust. Lifeline™ PRO AED had the best performance in most of the criteria among AEDs of advanced level and offered CPR video and manual mode for laypersons and clinicians respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Lifeline™ AUTO AED, Samaritan PAD defibrillator, Lifeline™ PRO AED are superior in AEDs of basic, intermediate and advanced levels, respectively. A feasible AED may be chosen by users according to the regional requirement and the current information about the best available products.
Department of Accident and Emergency Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
Chik Leung
CL
Ho
Department of Accident and Emergency Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
Ka Wai
KW
Cheng
Department of Accident and Emergency Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
Tze Hang
TH
Ma
Department of Accident and Emergency Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
Yau Hang
YH
Wong
Department of Accident and Emergency Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
Ka Lok
KL
Cheng
Department of Accident and Emergency Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
Chak Wah
CW
Kam
Automated external defibrillator; Cardiac arrest; Electrodes; Pads