How to judge the performance of an AED?

Judging an AED's performance is not about brand reputation(such as Mindray, Comen, Willcome etc.) alone; it requires evaluating how well it handles the critical tasks of analysis, timing, and safety under both ideal and challenging conditions.

Here is a practical guide to the four key criteria for evaluating an AED:

Clinical Efficacy: Does It Stop the Abnormal Rhythm?

This is the most direct measure of an AED's primary function. A high-performing AED should reliably terminate a shockable rhythm (like Ventricular Fibrillation).

• The "80%" Benchmark: Current research suggests that an AED with a biphasic waveform (the standard in modern devices) should achieve a defibrillation efficacy of at least 80% . This is defined as successfully stopping the lethal heart rhythm within 5 seconds after the shock is delivered.

• Why It Matters: A defibrillator that fails to stop the abnormal rhythm with the first shock significantly reduces the patient's chance of survival.

Technical & Functional Indicators: Is It Fast and Smart?

Beyond just delivering a shock, the device's internal processes are critical for performance. The table below outlines the key technical specifications to look for:

Durability & Environmental Tolerance: Can It Handle the Real World?

An AED might be stored for months or used in an emergency, so it must be reliable in any situation.

• Operating Temperature: Check the manufacturer's specified range. High-quality AEDs can operate in environments as cold as -5°C (Usually does not include areas with special extreme low humidity environments.) and as hot as 55°C.

  
  

• Dust & Water Resistance: Look for an IP55 rating or higher. This means the device is protected against dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction.

  
  

• Storage & Lifespan: Long-life batteries (2+ years standby) and durable electrode pads (2+ years shelf life) reduce maintenance costs and ensure the device is ready when needed.

Maintenance & Self-Testing: Can You Trust It?

Since you cannot test an AED on a person regularly, the device must test itself.

• Automatic Self-Tests: The AED should run frequent (e.g., daily or weekly) automated self-checks on its internal hardware, software, and battery levels.

  
  

• Status Indicator: A clear, visual "Ready" indicator (often a blinking green checkmark) is essential for a quick visual confirmation that the device is operational.

  
  

• Data Recording: It should have internal memory to store ECG waveforms, event logs, and audio recordings of the rescue. This data is vital for post-event review and clinical feedback.

The "Red Flag": What to Watch Out For

A major "red flag" for an AED is if it has not passed certification by a recognized regulatory body.For example, in the United States, this is the FDA; in China, it is the NMPA. Without this, its performance claims are unverified.

You should also be cautious of devices that show significant performance degradation in independent tests. For instance, studies have found that some AED algorithms can fail to analyze heart rhythms correctly when subjected to the vibrations of a moving ambulance. (it may require an impact test in a limited distance of height, such as the WILLCOME brand AED can easily cope with unexpected situations of the six sides of the machine can withstand the impact of 1.5 meters.)

If you are responsible for purchasing AEDs for a specific environment (like a sports club or a factory), I can help look for models that perform best in those conditions.