Clicky

The Best AED For Churches And Other Houses Of Worship – Viral Believer
Skip to content

This article may contain links to affiliate offers. If you purchase on the website recommended, we may earn a small commission at no charge to you. Read our affiliate disclosure here.

The Best AED For Churches And Other Houses Of Worship

Tags:

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a life-saving medical device that can treat sudden cardiac arrest. When someone goes into cardiac arrest, their heart stops beating, and they stop breathing.

AEDs are designed to be used by laypeople with little or no medical training and can be found in public places like churches. With so many models on the market, knowing which AED is right for your church can be difficult.

Best AED for church featured image

How to Choose the Best AED For Church

No matter how many members your congregation has, you must have the best AED available for your church. Consider the fact that 350,000 Americans experience sudden heart arrest every year. 

Death can occur within minutes if there is no immediate CPR or defibrillation. SCA is the leading cause of death in the country.

These tragedies can almost always be avoided, which is good news. Victims of SCA can be treated quickly, and as much as 90% of them will recover. It is important to provide treatment promptly. The speed of treatment is crucial as it determines the patient’s prognosis.

If someone in your congregation or on your church staff experiences cardiac arrest, it is important to keep calm and get immediate treatment. This is possible even without any medical training. Voice coaching provides all the necessary information.

It is important to choose the right defibrillator that suits your church’s needs.

What to look for in an AED Church

Certain factors are crucial when choosing an automatic external defibrillator (AED) for your church. These are the factors:

  • Easy of use: Often, churches don’t have trained personnel available. An AED should be easy to use by a layperson so that everyone on your staff can respond to an emergency.
  • Simple pediatric capabilities: While older Americans are more susceptible to experiencing cardiac arrest, it is also possible for children. SCA affects up to 9,500 children each year in the United States. An AED that is easily adjustable for children is necessary if this happens. Children younger than eight and under 55 lbs should not be exposed to the same shock as adults.
  • Multilingual capabilities: If your staff includes Spanish-speaking employees, you might need a model to toggle between English and Spanish instructions.
  • Accessibility: Many churches have a small budget, and the funds available are mostly used for ministry. You’ll need a device that isn’t too expensive. You can find high-quality models for as low as $1,200 to $1,800.

The Best AEDs For Church

We’ve considered all of these factors and narrowed the list to the top-rated external defibrillators that can be used in churches.

Zoll AED Plus

zoll adult green ems device with carrying case and supplies.
ZOLL Adult Green EMS Device With Carrying Case and Supplies.

Best AED For Church

The ZOLL AED Plus defibrillator is the easiest to use. Although it isn’t as feature-rich as some of its rivals, it is perfect for those who don’t have medical training.

Easy to use: This model comes with ZOLL’s CPR-D pads, a defibrillation pad designed with simple guides to ensure the best placement for your chest. The device detects shockable heart rhythms automatically and delivers shocks when needed.

You don’t even have to press the shock button. Real CPR Help(r), which offers real-time coaching, and even lets you know if you should push harder, is also included in the device. This is the only automatic external defibrillator that offers this technology.

Children’s Capabilities: This ZOLL version is compatible with Pedi Padz II. These pads can be purchased separately for $95. The standard pads must be removed before the Pedi Padz can be applied to a child’s skin.

Dual Language Capabilities: Dual language functionality is not available on this device. However, Spanish-only models can be purchased for Spanish-speaking churches.

Philips FRx

philips heartstart frx defibrillator with hard case case
Philips HeartStart FRx Defibrillator with Hard Case Case

Alternate AED For Churches

 Another intuitive model, the Philips FX, offers clear instructions, simple-to-follow diagrams, and child-friendly functionality.

Easy to Use: These step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow. For audible CPR assistance, press the blue button i-button. Life Guidance guidelines direct you to the right rate, depth, and a number of chest compressions. 

An on-screen diagram shows where to place electrode pads after CPR has been administered. Follow the diagram and press the orange “Shock” button when asked.

Pediatric Capabilities The FRx comes with an Infant/Child key. Simply insert the key into your device to administer treatment to children. Children under 55 lbs or older will receive an automatic update of the instructions and compressions.

Dual-language Capabilities: HeartStart Configure software lets you choose your preferred language, but you can’t change your language on the fly like you can with the LIFEPAK CR2.

Recommended Accessories for Defibrillators in Churches

You should get most accessories included in a Value Pack if you buy a Value Package. It’s a smart idea to buy the accessories you need if they are missing:

A Backpack Depending on your church size, you may need to run long distances with your defibrillator. This is possible with a backpack that protects your defibrillator machine and makes it much more simple. Simply secure your device and accessories in the backpack and then race to the scene.

A Cabinet It is ideal to have an AED box in the church office or anywhere else emergency supplies are kept. Cabinets protect the device and provide a central location. Some cabinets can be integrated into the church’s central security system. Make sure to get a cabinet specific to your device’s make and model.

Signage – Signage includes wall posters, visible signs, and inspection tags. We’ll be highlighting the importance of inspection tags in the next section.

How to Keep Your Church’s AED In Good Condition

It is important to have regular inspections. The church could be sued if someone dies from a badly functioning AED. Here are some ways to ensure your defibrillator works as it should and is ready to go when needed.

  1. You must ensure that your external defibrillator performs the necessary self-checks every day, week, and month. Your screen will display icons that indicate the readiness status in most cases. A red or other warning light will be displayed if something is wrong. You should watch for any signs of trouble on your device.
  2. The expiration date on the unit pads should be replaced before it expires. In an emergency, it’s a good idea to have another set of pads.
  3. Pay attention to the expiration date of your battery. As needed, replace it with a new battery.
  4. Keep your inspection tags in a prominent place near the device. It would be best if you filled the tags with information such as serial number, manufacturer, and model.
  5. Register for Program Administration. Program management services will monitor performance, and expiration dates, provide oversight for physicians, and meet other compliance requirements.

Are AEDs legally required in churches?

In the United States, churches are not required to have external defibrillators. These life-saving devices are still important for all houses of worship. A higher likelihood of having a cardiac attack occurs if there is a larger congregation.

The church could also be sued if someone has a heart attack while they are in church. The legal defense can prove costly even if you are not found to be at fault. A defibrillation device is a way to ensure that your flock is safe while you are caring for them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best AED for the church is the Zoll AED Plus. It is easy to use and maintain and has a voice prompt feature that guides users through the process. Additionally, it is affordable and can be easily purchased online.

A congregation can have peace of mind with an automated external defibrillator. It may save a life one day.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.