The Different Types of Defibrillators 

A defibrillator is a medical device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest, with the aim of returning the heart to its normal rhythm and therefore, saving a life. They can be incredibly effective when used correctly and can be found in a number of different settings, such as in hospitals, ambulances, and public places, like shopping centres, airports and sports arenas, depending on the type of defibrillator. 

There are several types of defibrillators, each working in different ways depending on the heart-rate and issue.

The different types of defibrillators are:

1. Manual defibrillators 
2. Automated external defibrillators 
3. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators

1. Manual Defibrillators 

Also known as semi-automatic defibrillators, manual external defibrillators require the user to manually deliver the shock to the patient by pressing a button. These defibrillators contain pads that are placed on the patient’s chest and deliver a shock through the pads to the patient’s heart.

As these defibrillators require more experience and training than other types, they are most commonly found in hospitals and a few ambulances where skilled hands are present. 

2. Automated External Defibrillators

In contrast, automated external defibrillators (AED’s) are portable devices that are used to help those who are experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs work by analysing the person’s heart rhythm and determining whether a shock is needed to restore a regular heartbeat. 

AED’s are easy to use and contain clear audio instructions to guide the user through the process, to ensure they are used correctly. AEDs are commonly found in public places such as airports, offices, factories, malls, and schools, and can be used by anyone in an emergency situation.

3. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD’s) are small, battery-powered devices that are surgically implanted in the chest or abdomen, used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

ICD’s work by continuously monitoring the heart’s electrical activity and can deliver a shock to the heart if it detects a dangerous arrhythmia. They are considered a very effective treatment for preventing sudden cardiac arrest and can greatly improve the quality of life for people who have a high risk of arrhythmias. However, they do carry some risks, such as infection, bleeding, and damage to the blood vessels or nerves during the implantation surgery. 

Do You Have To Have a Defibrillator in the Workplace?

As mentioned, the British Heart Foundation and IOSH recommends that all workplaces should have a defibrillator on premises. However, there are no current laws enforcing the provision of defibrillators in the workplace, and it is simply down to the individual organisation on deciding whether or not they have one. This decision should be made once a well-documented first aid risk assessment is carried out. 

This first aid risk assessment includes:

• Consideration of how many people will pass through your premises (the more people, the higher likelihood of a cardiac arrest incident)
• The age of those people (cardiac arrest is more common the older you get)
• The location of site (remoteness may lengthen emergency service response times)

Where Should a Defibrillator Be Located?

Defibrillators should be located in areas where they can be easily accessed in the event of a cardiac emergency. In public areas, they should be located in a central location that is easily visible and clearly marked, with clear instructions for use. They should also be located near a phone or other means of communication so that emergency services can be notified immediately.

It is important to ensure that defibrillators are properly maintained and checked regularly to ensure that they are in good working order and ready to use in an emergency.

Best Defibrillators for the Workplace

The best defibrillators for the workplace include:

1. ZOLL® AED Plus® Defibrillator Unit – Fully Automatic
2. Heartsine Samaritan 350P Defibrillator Unit – Semi Automatic 
3. DefiSign Life Fully Automatic Defibrillator
4. ZOLL® AED 3 CPR Uni-Padz Universal Adult/Paediatric Electrode Pads

1.ZOLL® AED Plus® Defibrillator Unit – Fully Automatic

Supplied complete with batteries, accessories, carry case and electrode pads, this fully automatic ZOLL defibrillator is the ideal solution if sudden cardiac arrest occurs. What’s more, this model can actually see when you are doing CPR and help you do it well. Featuring easy to use audio and visual prompts, this life-saving machine will help you to rescue with a confidence and clarity unmatched by any other AED. 

2. Heartsine Samaritan 350P Defibrillator Unit – Semi Automatic 

Durable, affordable and highly portable, the HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P (semi-automatic) is a simple to use and simple to own AED. other key features include:

• Semi Automatic defibrillator analyses heart and requires rescuer to push shock button (if needed)
• Fixed escalating energy (150J,150J,200J adult)
• Compact and lightweight (1.1kg/2.4lbs) including Pad-Pak battery
• 90 mins of rescue data

3. DefiSign Life Fully Automatic Defibrillator

This competitively priced AED is designed for use by non-professionals, ideal for the workplace. Giving clear verbal instructions, the rescuer is taken through step-by-step instructions explaining what needs to be done, making the DefiSign LIFE exceptionally user-friendly.

4. ZOLL® AED 3 CPR Uni-Padz Universal Adult/Paediatric Electrode Pads

The ZOLL AED 3 Pads – CPR Uni-padz universal (adult/paediatric) is a one-piece electrode with built-in Real CPR Help technology, the electrodes sense and report the motion of rescuers’ chest compressions to the ZOLL AED 3. Suitable for both adult and paediatric, simply by repositioning the pads and activating the Child Mode on the ZOLL AED 3, can be used to treat child patients 8 years of age or younger or under 25kg. 

Learn about the different types of defibrillators here and do not hesitate to get in touch if you need help in buying the right defibrillator for your workplace. Browse our full range of first aid equipment and related products on our website. 

Written by Kate, for Morsafe Supplies.