Automated External Defibrillators & Cabinets

A status indicator is normally positioned on the AED. The G5 has a mechanical Rescue Ready Indicator which is either green or red, with a black cross. The Zoll AEDs have an LCD display with either a tick or a cross.

Most cabinets don't have a status indicator. They sometimes have a light which indicates power, but won't indicate the heater is working. For this, you have to physically touch this to see if it's warm. The LED is no longer an option.

Yes, although this depends on which cabinet, as some have a viewing window on the front, and are therefore easier to see than others. 

Some AEDs are easier to check, depending on where the indicator is located. However, it's best practice to physically open the cabinet as this works the lock and ensures it hasn't seized up. Also, by opening this, it lubricates the mechanism.

Most cabinets do not need a transformer, and the ones that do normally come with this in the UK. 

Most cabinets are Class 2 as standard because they are polycarbonate but it's always best to check. Previously, it was the metal cabinets that were an issue. 

To see the unit in the box, and identify the cabinet from a distance, an outside light may be required.

Most cabinets no longer come with a plug, and they require hard wiring.

Yes, all manufacturers offer them, but it's unusual to need them.

Most manufacturers sell on their IP rating, however, having an IP rating too high can cause issues with condensation which can have a negative impact on AEDs. Therefore, ventilation is suggested.

All AEDs are predrilled and need to be fitted as per manufacturer's instructions. Any water ingress is bad and this normally shows by water running down a wall and getting in through drill holes on a badly fitted cabinet. 

Having standing water is different to condensation, hence the cabinet is ideally protected from the rain but has enough ventilation to clear condensation. 

The design includes a break pin to allow access in this event.

Metal cabinets are no longer available. However, most cabinets have 10 years manufacturer support and locks have 5 years.

An alarm can be fitted for a small extra cost on outdoor cabinets.

A child is classed as anybody under the age of eighteen. Anybody over the age of eighteen requires adult pads and energy levels. This is especially important to remember if you have a unit with a switch for paediatrics.

In reality, a child under eight suffering a Cardiac Arrest is incredibly rare. Most are 0 and under and then teenagers. Most paramedics in their career will never experience one. If a child under eight is in cardiac arrest, then it is normally secondary cardiac arrest following something like drowning and its unlikely an AED will help.

We don't include Paediatric pads in the package as standard because frankly, very few people have them unless they are specifically dealing with children, such as a Primary School. If you are dealing with children on a regular basis, paediatric pads are available. All units are supplied with one set of adult pads. 

The G5 AED uses the same technology in the paediatric pads as the Adult, so the child would get a tailored shock based on their size. As you would imagine, the difference between a one year old and an eighteen year old, is even greater than the difference in varying size of adults.

With the iPad, their paediatric switch fixes the energy at 50 Joules, whether they are one or eighteen years old. The Zoll AEDs have a completely separate algorithm for Paediatrics - they are the only AED that looks at the child as a child and not an adult that needs an attenuated shock. They both escalate the energy; the AED Plus needs separate pads and the AED 3 has a button and uses the same pads. 

All Cardiac Science cabinets come with full fixing instructions and mounting. 

Wall signs are available separately.

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this, as it all depends on where it's located and what the weather does. 

The electricity is only used for the heater on the DS1000 and the heater and light on the DS3000. The heater only comes on when the temperature drops below a certain point. 

If it's a warm year, then it won't kick in as often as it would over a cold spell, so year to year it will vary. Similarly, if it's in the shade, or north facing, it will stay colder than one that's south facing. 

When it's on, it's not using much power through the rough equivalent to a light build. This is still the same for all new cabinets.

If you have previously taken out the insurance pack this is no longer available, phone Cardiac Science. They will have your record and send out new pads - this is the same for out of date pads. 

If you have not previously taken out insurance, contact TrainEEAST and we will arrange the purchase of new ones.

Contact the TrainEEAST Training Team at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust who will make the arrangements with you.

Yes you can, though you will need to specify on your order that you need 'Class 2' electrics and that the order is for a telephone box. If you already have the metal cabinet, all new ones are polycarbonate and do not need the 'Class 2' electrics. 

To purchase a bigger cabinet, a minimum of the DS2000 at an extra cost of £95.00 is required. This is a stainless steel cabinet which is designed specifically for a telephone box.

New Polycarbonate cabinets fit the G5 and the Zoll AED plus so you don't need a deeper cabinet. However, the Zoll 3 AED is a tight fit in the 4000 with its carry case on. Therefore, we'd suggest the caddy for this instead.