AED Trainers and their Importance

Previously, we’ve spoken at lengths about the usefulness of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), and various brands that make AEDs. Now it’s time we talk about training to use these AEDs! After all, Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen swiftly, and you only have a few minutes to act. Knowing how to properly attach an AED, deliver a shock, and perform CPR is imperative to the survival of the patient.

Learn about AED Trainers —Like the use of Manikins, AED trainers were invested due to how impractical practicing techniques is on live patients. Additionally, AEDs typically are over a thousand US dollars and can deliver a potentially lethal shock. That’s not something you want to go attaching to patients and practicing with! Thus, AED trainers are the solution for safe, realistic AED training.

Typically, AED Trainers are employed in conjunction with CPR training. AEDs instruct the user to perform CPR whether it delivered a shock. CPR is most often used in cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, in which an AED was likely used. The two are intertwined, so being trained in both allows students to be well-rounded and prepared in the event they utilize their training. As we’ve discovered in previous blog posts, realism in simulation is important. Students are more likely to retain information when a CPR feedback monitor is installed in the manikin, allowing them to gain real-time feedback during chest compressions. In a similar vein, AED trainers provide a more realistic simulation of the most common application of CPR. Students must install pads and potentially deliver a shock before they start going with chest compressions. Small steps like this have a significant impact on student retention.

Which AED Trainers to Get —We know AED training is important. Though, which of the many AED trainers do we utilize? There are hundreds of AED trainers out on the market today, ranging from simple and intuitive to use, to complete training simulators with the ability to log the performance of the user. Here are a few key features to look out for when considering which AED trainer to purchase.

Always consider how intuitive an AED trainer is to use. AEDs are meant to be accessible by anyone without medical training, and so AED trainers should operate in the same way. Also, consider how rugged you want your AED trainer. If you’re doing outdoor training, you must want to invest in a rubberized AED trainer, such as the American Red Cross AED trainer. If you’re attempting to teach a workplace how to perform CPR and they have a ZOLL AED, it might be wise to use a ZOLL AED trainer.

Features of AED Trainers — Next are the features of an AED trainer. Consider what you want in your AED Trainer when searching the internet. Do you want multiple language settings? Many scenarios to always keep students on their toes and alert? Maybe you want to test students in semi-automatic mode, so students must press the front button to administer a false shock. The more expensive the AED trainer, the more likely it is to have additional simulation features. The Prestan AED trainer has sensors to know when they’ve been attached to a manikin, increasing the realism of the training. The SkillQube AED training system is an elaborate and intense multi-simulation device capable of testing the student in a variety of EMS situations, including CPR and AED usage.

AED trainers are a rabbit hole of features and simulations to increase the effectiveness of the training provided by the instructor. Know why AED trainers are important and know what to look for when considering an AED trainer to purchase for classroom use.

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