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Defibrillator Buying Guide – Which AED is right for you?

Posted by AED Defib Shop

Choosing the Best Defibrillator for You

When choosing the best defibrillator for your needs, it’s crucial to consider various factors such as reliability, ease of use, and advanced features. We know its hard to tell which Defibrillator fits you best, that’s why we do the work for you. At AED-Defib-Shop, we offer a comprehensive range of defibrillators from top brands, including Zoll, ViVest, and Philips. Below is a detailed comparison of these brands to help guide your decision.

Zoll Defibrillators

Zoll AED 3

Key Features:

 

Zoll AED Plus

Key Features:

 

ViVest Defibrillators: X1 and X3 Models

ViVest X1 Defibrillator

Key Features:

 

ViVest X3 Defibrillator

Key Features:

 

Philips Defibrillators

Philips HeartStart FRx

Key Features:

 

Philips HeartStart HS1

Key Features:

 

Best Value for Money?

When comparing the features and benefits of these leading brands, ViVest defibrillators, particularly the X1 and X3 models, offer a compelling combination of advanced features, ease of use, and affordability. Here’s why ViVest stands out:

ViVest defibrillators are rigorously tested to ensure high performance in critical situations. Both models are designed with intuitive interfaces and clear instructions, making them accessible to anyone. Additionally, OOB pad and battery life is 4 years, meaning you have the peace of mind your defibrillator is ready to go for years to come! Also, these devices are easily portable, suitable for various settings including workplaces, schools, and public spaces. Additionally, real-time CPR feedback and Wi-Fi connectivity ensure your device is equipped for evolving medical guidelines​ (First Aid Scotland)​​​​​​ (Vivest AED)​.

Conclusion

Choosing the right defibrillator is crucial for ensuring effective emergency response. The ViVest X1 and X3 models provide exceptional value with their advanced features and competitive pricing. While other brands like Zoll and Philips offer excellent options, ViVest stands out for its reliability, user-friendliness, and comprehensive support. For more information and to make a purchase, visit our ViVest Defibrillators page.

 

30 Facts About The Heart to Pump Up Your Knowledge

Posted by AED Defib Shop

30 Facts About The Heart

When it comes to keeping you alive and kicking, your heart is the true MVP. This muscular marvel works tirelessly, day in and day out, to keep blood flowing and your body running smoothly. Whether you’re resting, running, or doing your best dance moves, your heart’s got your back. Let’s dive into some heart-pounding facts that’ll make you appreciate this vital organ even more!

    1. Busy Bee: Your heart beats around 100,000 times a day, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood through your body. That’s a lot of work for a muscle roughly the size of your fist!

 

    1. Speed Demon: The heart can speed up or slow down depending on your body’s needs. It can ramp up to 200 beats per minute during intense exercise or slow down to around 60 beats per minute while you’re chilling.

 

    1. Lifelong Buddy: Over an average lifetime, the heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times. That’s some serious commitment.

 

    1. Muscle Power: The heart is made up almost entirely of muscle, specifically cardiac muscle, which is incredibly strong and resilient.

 

    1. Location, Location, Location: Your heart is located slightly left of the center of your chest, nestled between your lungs.

 

    1. Electrical Wonder: The heart has its own electrical system, known as the cardiac conduction system, which controls the rhythm of your heartbeat.

 

    1. Heartbeat Symphony: A heartbeat consists of two sounds: “lub” (when the atrioventricular valves close) and “dub” (when the semilunar valves close).

 

    1. Blood Highway: The heart’s four chambers – two atria and two ventricles – work together to circulate blood throughout your body.

 

    1. Oxygen Express: Blood enters the heart low in oxygen, gets pumped to the lungs to pick up oxygen, and then is sent out to nourish the body.

 

    1. Gender Differences: On average, a woman’s heart beats faster than a man’s, usually by about 6-8 beats per minute.

 

    1. Animal Hearts: The blue whale has the largest heart of any animal, weighing about 400 pounds. Meanwhile, a hummingbird’s heart can beat over 1,200 times per minute!

 

    1. Heart Selfies: An electrocardiogram (ECG) can create a visual representation of your heart’s electrical activity, like a selfie for your heart.

 

    1. Rest and Digest: The parasympathetic nervous system helps slow down the heart rate during rest, promoting relaxation and digestion.

 

    1. Heart Attack Symptoms: They can differ between men and women. Men often experience chest pain, while women may have shortness of breath, nausea, or back/jaw pain.

 

    1. Evolutionary Wonder: The human heart has evolved over millions of years to become incredibly efficient at pumping blood.

 

Keep it up! There’s so much more to learn

    1. Laughter Medicine: Laughing is good for your heart! It can increase blood flow by up to 20%, reducing stress and improving vascular function. (one of the lesser known facts about the heart!)

 

    1. Heart and Soul: The phrase “heartfelt” comes from the idea that the heart is the centre of emotion, though it’s actually your brain that’s responsible for feelings.

 

    1. Diet and Heart Health: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, are great for maintaining a healthy heart.

 

    1. Hydration Helper: Drinking plenty of water helps your heart pump blood more easily, reducing strain on this vital organ.

 

    1. Heart Transplants: The first successful human heart transplant was performed in 1967 by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in South Africa.

 

    1. Red and Blue: Blood in the veins looks blue under the skin, but it’s actually dark red. Oxygen-rich blood in the arteries is bright red.

 

    1. Heart Size: While the average heart is about the size of a fist, athletes often have larger hearts due to increased demand and efficiency.

 

    1. Heart Cells: Unlike other cells in the body, heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) do not regenerate easily, making heart damage particularly serious.

 

    1. Beating Outside the Body: A heart can continue to beat for a short time even when removed from the body, as long as it has an adequate supply of oxygen.

 

    1. Blood Vessels: If you stretched out all your blood vessels end to end, they would wrap around the Earth twice!

 

    1. Heart Disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, but many of its risk factors are controllable.

 

    1. Healthy Heart Rate: For most adults, a healthy resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

 

    1. Athlete’s Heart: Elite athletes often have resting heart rates as low as 40 beats per minute due to their highly efficient hearts.

 

    1. Emotional Connection: Stress, anxiety, and excitement can all cause your heart to beat faster due to the release of adrenaline.

 

    1. Heart Medications: Various medications can help manage heart health, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins.

 

Your heart is more than just a pump; it’s a remarkable organ that plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. From its unique electrical system to its incredible endurance, the heart is truly a wonder of the human body. So, next time you feel your heart racing, whether from exercise, excitement, or love, take a moment to appreciate the incredible work this little muscle does to keep you alive and thriving. We hope you enjoyed these facts about the heart and learned something new. Stay heart-smart and keep that ticker in tip-top shape!

To prepare for the worst, it’s always great to have a defib around! Check out our products page for some great deals Defibrillators Sale – (aed-defib-shop.co.uk)

CPR and AED Awareness: Saving Lives One Beat at a Time

Posted by AED Defib Shop

CPR and AED’s in Cardiac Arrest

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are critical tools in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is a leading cause of death worldwide, affecting people of all ages, often without warning. Therefore, CPR and AED awareness and training can make the difference between life and death in these emergencies.

What is CPR?

Imagine you’re at a family gathering when someone suddenly collapses, unresponsive. Panic sets in, but knowing CPR could mean the difference between life and death. CPR is a lifesaving technique for emergencies when someone’s heartbeat or breathing has stopped. It involves chest compressions and, in some cases, rescue breaths to manually keep blood and oxygen flowing through the body until professional medical help arrives.

Why is CPR Crucial?

    1. Immediate Response: Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 7-10%.

 

    1. Survival Rates: When performed promptly, CPR can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.

 

    1. Accessibility: Anyone can perform CPR anywhere, significantly increasing the likelihood of early intervention..

 

The basics of CPR

CPR involves performing chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen flowing to vital organs when someone’s heart stops. First, you check for responsiveness and call for emergency help. Next, you begin chest compressions, pressing hard and fast in the center of the chest. Then, after every 30 compressions, you give two rescue breaths. Finally, continue this cycle until professional help arrives. Therefore, knowing these basic steps can make a critical difference in saving a life during a cardiac emergency. See the British Heart Foundations article for more detailed information Learn CPR in 15 minutes -BHF

Understanding Key Metrics

Seconds matter in a cardiac emergency. The first few minutes are critical, as brain damage can occur within 4-6 minutes after the heart stops, making immediate action essential. Without intervention, the survival rate for SCA is less than 10%. However, with immediate CPR and AED use, survival rates can increase to 40-60%. These numbers highlight the urgent need for widespread CPR and AED training.

What is an AED?

Picture yourself in a crowded place, like an airport or a shopping mall, when someone collapses from sudden cardiac arrest. An AED, a portable device designed for such moments, can save their life. An AED checks the heart’s rhythm and sends an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. These devices are user-friendly, making it possible for non-medical personnel to provide potentially life-saving defibrillation.

Different Types of AEDs

    1. Semi-Automatic AEDs: The user presses a button to deliver the shock when the device determines one is necessary.

 

    1. Fully Automatic AEDs: These devices automatically deliver a shock if it’s necessary, without the need for the user to press a button.

 

    1. Public Access AEDs: Often found in public places such as airports, schools, and shopping malls, these AEDs are for use by the general public.

 

  1. Professional AEDs: Used by medical professionals, these devices often have more advanced features and capabilities.

 

Summary

CPR and AED awareness is vital for everyone. By understanding and being prepared to use these lifesaving techniques, you can help increase survival rates and provide critical care during emergencies. Training is readily available, and many organizations offer certification courses to equip individuals with the necessary skills. Remember, in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest, every second counts, and your knowledge and preparedness can save lives.

Let’s make CPR and AED awareness a priority. Get trained, stay informed, and be ready to act in an emergency.

For more detailed information and training resources, visit First Aid training for the workplace. An employers guide (Part 2). If you’re interested in purchasing AEDs or related products, check out our products section Defibrillators – (aed-defib-shop.co.uk).

The Ones To Watch: ViVest X Series

Posted by AED Defib Shop

ViVest Defibrillators: The New Ones to Watch on the Market

In the fast-paced world of medical technology, staying ahead with the latest advancements can make a significant difference in saving lives. At AED-Defib-Shop, we are excited to introduce a strong contender to the market: ViVest Defibrillators. With their cutting-edge technology, user-friendly design, and competitive pricing, the X1 and X3 models are quickly becoming the top choices for both professionals and public spaces.

ViVest X1: Advanced Technology at an Affordable Price

The ViVest X1 defibrillator is a remarkable blend of innovation and affordability. Priced at , £679 + VAT it offers a range of features typically found in higher-end models. Here’s why the ViVest X1 stands out:

 

ViVest X3: Premium Features for Comprehensive Care

For those looking for further advanced features and superior performance, the ViVest X3 defibrillator is an excellent choice. Priced at £845 + VAT, it combines reliability with state-of-the-art technology:

Why Choose these Defibrillators?

When considering the purchase of a defibrillator, it’s crucial to look beyond just the price. Here are several reasons why ViVest defibrillators should be your top choice:

    1. Reliability and Performance: ViVest defibrillators are designed with precision and tested rigorously to ensure they perform flawlessly in critical situations.

 

    1. Ease of Use: With intuitive interfaces and clear instructions, both the X1 and X3 models are designed to be user-friendly, ensuring anyone can operate them effectively.

 

    1. Comprehensive Support: ViVest offers excellent customer support, including training materials and also service packages to keep your device in optimal condition.

 

    1. Versatility: Whether for public places, workplaces, schools, or healthcare facilities, ViVest defibrillators are versatile enough to work in all environments.

 

    1. Future-Proof Technology: The inclusion of features like real-time CPR feedback, Wi-Fi connectivity, and also a pediatric mode; ensures that your investment is future-proof, equipped to handle evolving medical guidelines and protocols.

 

Final Thoughts

At AED-Defib-Shop, we believe in providing our customers with the best tools to save lives. In conclusion, the X1 and X3 defibrillators represent the latest in lifesaving technology, offering exceptional features at competitive prices. Easily integrated in every facility, ViVest defibrillators are the new ones to watch on the market. Also, keep an eye out for new models coming soon. Find out more on their site ViVest-AED.co.uk

Visit our website to learn more about the ViVest X1  and ViVest X3  models, explore their features, and make a purchase that could save a life. Keep your eyes peeled for the new innovative M Series coming soon, taking ‘compact’ to a whole new level!

First Aid training for the workplace. An employers guide (Part 2)

Posted by AED Defib Shop

What is a Needs assessment?

The aim of first aid is to reduce the effects of injury or illness at work.
Employers are duty-bound to make an assessment of first-aid needs, appropriate to the circumstances of each workplace.

This may include:
Nature of the work being undertaken, including hazards (power tools/ hazardous chemicals)
Nature of the workforce (male/female/young/old/disabled etc.)
Organizational history of accidents
Size of the organization
The needs of travelling, remote and lone workers
Work patterns (Shift work)
Distribution of the workforce
The remoteness of site/s from emergency medical services (e.g windfarm sites)
Employees working on shared sites (NB. employer are required by law to have their own first aiders)
Annual leave and other absences
Possible non-employee first aid (Theatres/sports events/ shopping malls)

First Aid reviews

Employers need to periodically review their first aid needs, particularly after any operational changes to ensure adequate provision remains appropriate. It is recommended that a record of accidents/ incidents is kept which have been treated by first-aiders and that a transparent policy regarding reporting is followed.

Incident/ Accident recording

An incident book is recommended to be kept to record incidents, which can be helpful to reference first aid carried out. It may also be helpful in insurance or investigative purposes, however, care must be taken to ensure that any incidents are kept in accordance with the General Data Protection Register 2018, as the record is a personal medical record.

Note that this incident book is not the same as an accident book, which is required to be kept under the Social Security (Administration) Act 1992, and the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Act 1992 where there are 10 or more employees working for an employer.

 

First Aid training for the workplace. An employers guide (Part 1)

Posted by AED Defib Shop

FACT: As an employer, you must provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure your employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.

The Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 does require you to provide adequate first aid cover and this includes first aid supplies, people and equipment, but how do you know if you need an;

and does this need to be over 1, 2 or 3 days (did there not used to be 4 and even 5-day courses)?

In broad terms there are now 3 courses (see above. The Appointed person course was to all intents and purposes replaced in 2008 by the 1 day EFAW course by most companies) which broadly come under the banner of workplace first aid in the UK.

This, however, does not include other specialist subjects including (but not restricted to) paediatric first aid, Forestry first aid, Defibrillator (AED) training, Anaphylaxis and training, which can include a number of specific duties and requirements dependant on job type.

What’s in a name?

An Emergency first aider (EFAW) is a person who has been trained over a minimum of 6 hours, and this allows the first aider to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured, or becomes ill at work.

Full First Aid at Work (FAW) training covers the same syllabus, but is run over a minimum of 3 days (1 18 hours) and includes much more specific injuries such as; treatment of fractures, specific serious wounds and conditions such as Cerebro-Vascular-Accidents (CVA) or strokes, along with other such conditions including anaphylaxis, skull fractures, concussion, spinal injury management and much more.

The 2 day Re-Qualification First aid at Work (RFAW) covers the same syllabus as the 3 day FAW course, but is only open to current FAW first aiders nearing the end of their existing certification, and covers all the subjects contained within the 3 day course, although condensed, with much more student-centred learning.

Where however, an employer considers that they don’t need a first aider for the workplace, they can  appoint someone to look after first aid arrangements. This includes looking after the first aid boxes and equipment and calling the emergency services if required. In reality, this role has largely been discontinued since the advent of the EFAW courses when they were introduced in 2008.

To find out more, contact First Aid Scotland on 0800 0431 327, or 0141 248 4969 for more information.