Recertified Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Shopping?

Why buy recertified?  Is it safe?  Recertified AEDs are becoming more popular now that the AED industry is about 25 years old.  There are certain times when a recertified AED may be more viable than a new AED.  Primarily these situations are driven by budget but they also may derive from the need for brand consistency and perhaps the AED manufacturer is no longer making a certain model/brand.

• Zoll AED Plus: 7 years
• Zoll AED Pro: 5 Years
• Cardiac Science Powerheart G3: 7 years
• Cardiac Science Powerheart G3 Pro: 5 Years
• Physio-Control LifePak CR Plus: 8 years
• Physio-Control LifePak CR Express: 5 years
• Physio-Control Lifepak 1000:   5 years
• Heartsine Samaritan PAD AED: 10 years
• Defibtech Lifeline AED:  5 years
• Philips HeartStart Onsite AED:  5 years
• Philips HeartStart FRx AED:  5 years – See more at: http://www.aed.com/new-vs-re-certified-aeds#sthash.fmpbzgHL.dpuf

There are many questions when purchasing used or recertified AED devices.   The truth is that  people should not be able to tell the difference between a new and/or used recertified AED.  What are the differences?

New AED

Never been used Longer warranty (usually 5-10 years) New battery, electrodes, and accessories

Recertified AED

Previously used (usually traded-in when customer switches models or upgrades, sales rep demo unit) Tested/Passed Tests done by biomedical certified professionals before resold Warranty (3 months to 5 years, varies by company certifying or brand/model) New battery, pads, but some other accessories may be used (case, download cable, etc) Required to meet same performance standards as new devices

Are Recertified AEDs safe?  They are deemed safe only if the source performs the right testing and recertification procedures checklists are followed.

AED Recertification Checklist and Questions to Ask:

AED will be upgraded to current software updates for brand/model and current AHA guidelines (if upgrade available from manufacturer)

Each unit is connected to a defibrillator analyzer to simulate a shockable rhythm, and 3 shocks are delivered to assure the joule output is within FDA guidelines

All device and performance information is recorded and stored in both electronic and paper form

Visual inspection to ensure AED is in acceptable cosmetic condition

Device is thoroughly and meticulously cleaned

AED is accessorized and made patient-ready with electrodes and batteries installed

AED is turned on to initiate self-test that assures it is ready to be used in a rescue event

Battery and Pad expiration dates are recorded for automated setup of client reminders 90 days in advance of any replacement needed by end user

Package for shipment is prepared; AED should be shipped without battery installed

Quality Control inspects package for proper accessories and compared to packing slip

Order is professionally packed in accordance to Fedex/UPS regulations

AED tracing is submitted to the original manufacturer in accordance with FDA regulations

Before purchasing a recertified AED you should ask the dealer questions aside from finding out their conformity to testing procedures above.  Here is a list of appropriate questions to ask before buying and finding out the hard way that your investment was not a wise choice.

• What is the warranty of the device?  What does the warranty cover?  What was the original factory warranty that has expired?
• Are these units tested and what’s the process?
• Are you an authorized dealer? For all manufacturers and brands?
• Is the unit in stock? What is the serial number? When was it manufactured?
• What is the return policy?
• Does your company have liability insurance? (products and Errors & Ommissions/Professional? & General)?
• Does the company provide any indemnity coverage or insurance certificate?
• Does the device come with a loaner program if servicing is needed?
• What accessories come with the AED?  Does 1 or 2 sets of pads come with it?  A case?  Download/upload cable or accessory?  User guide?  Operating manual?
• Do you need to register the device with the manufacturer or will they?
• What shape / condition is the unit in?  Can you see a picture? Was it used daily or infrequently?
• Is this a monophasic or biphasic unit? (all AEDs should be biphasic per current AHA guidelines; older models may be monophasic)
• Is there a training DVD or link that shows how to use the AED? Have them provide this, if so.
• How expensive are replacement batteries and pads/electrodes?  How often do they need to be replaced?
• How easy to find are the consumables – batteries and pads?  Is the manufacturer still manufacturing them?  Are they available after-market or generic?
• How much would servicing cost if the AED needed servicing?  What are the procedures for servicing?
• Is the most current software available installed on the unit?
• Doe the device come with free download software and accessory tool?
• Are recycled batteries available for the AED? What are the costs? Availability?
• What is the perceived life left on this unit?
• Is there a trade-in program for trading up to another AED (new or recertified) in the future?

Can You Tell Which AED
is New vs Recertified?

Our goal at AED.com is to give you outstanding service and
prodducts of the highest quality regardless of whether the
product is New or Recertified. We know you cannot tell
the difference in the products, but we assure you that one
of them is not new. That lack of distinction is the result we
labor for on every recertified device we sell.

– See more at: http://www.aed.com/new-vs-re-certified-aeds#sthash.fmpbzgHL.dpuf

Can You Tell Which AED
is New vs Recertified?

Our goal at AED.com is to give you outstanding service and
prodducts of the highest quality regardless of whether the
product is New or Recertified. We know you cannot tell
the difference in the products, but we assure you that one
of them is not new. That lack of distinction is the result we
labor for on every recertified device we sell.

– See more at: http://www.aed.com/new-vs-re-certified-aeds#sthash.fmpbzgHL.dpuf

Our goal at AED.com is to give you outstanding service and
prodducts of the highest quality regardless of whether the
product is New or Recertified. We know you cannot tell
the difference in the products, but we assure you that one
of them is not new. That lack of distinction is the result we
labor for on every recertified device we sell. – See more at: http://www.aed.com/new-vs-re-certified-aeds#sthash.fmpbzgHL.dpuf

GO GREEN. GET RECERTIFIED!

Think Safe has recertified devices!  Need budget relief?  For current in-house inventory of available recertified AEDs and pricing from Think Safe (and all answers to the questions above about these recertified AEDs), please complete the form below, or call us at 888-473-1777.

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AED Sunsets: Cardiac Science, Medtronic/Physio-Control & Philips AEDs

Cardiac Science, Physio Control (Medtronic), and Philips Corporation have made announcements that they are discontinuing some of their AED lines. These AEDs will no longer be supported (certain support deadlines have been announced) and need to be replaced due to the manufacturer ceasing or phasing out manufacturing of these AEDs or AED accessories in coming years.  Manufacturing of certain accessories (depending on manufacturer) will remain.  One thing to keep in mind as these deadlines move near is that accessory prices may increase for these AED owners as supplies diminish.  It may not be worthwhile to invest in another round of batteries and pads, you may want to consider spending that money on a new AED that is manufacturer supported.

For example, if a Battery replacement cost is  $390 for 4 yr life battery compare that to $900-$1000 for new AED with 4 yr battery and new pads under full warranty for next 7-10 years.  The better investment is the upgrade to a new AED that is manufacturer supported and under full warranty.  Especially if the battery replacement cost on that new device is under $150 every 4 years compared to almost $400 every 4 years!

However, be informed and make sure you understand your future AED accessory availability.  Email us for deadline information.

Check out more detailed information below on the discontinued AEDs to see if you are affected!

Cardiac Science
Powerheart AED (9200RD/9210RD) -Batteries discontinued
Firstsave AED (9200D/9210D) -Batteries discontinued
Firstsave AED G3 (9300C-001) -Batteries discontinued
Medtronic/Physio-Control
Medtronic/Physio-Control LifePak 500 (Catalog numbers 99401-001083, 99401-001085, 99401-001087 and 99401-001089) -Batteries and pads- call for deadline information or Email us.**Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information. Owner manual
LIFEPAK 500 Nonrechargeable lithium sulfur dioxide (LiSO2) or lithium manganese dioxide (LiMnO2)battery pak
Philips
Heartstart FR2+ AED (M3860A/ M3861A)-Batteries and Pads call for deadline information or Email us. **Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information. Laerdal Heartstart FR2+ (M3840A/M3841A) -Batteries and Pads call for deadline information or Email us.**Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information.
Philips HeartStart Forerunner AED or FR2 -Batteries and Pads call for deadline information or Email us.**Check on battery recycling programs to extend the life of your AED. Email us for more information.

For information on how to trade in your AED and take advantage of our special offers, please fill out the form below!

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DISCLAIMER:  Please note that this blog post has been recently updated on 2/18/2014  to reflect more current information from the AED manufacturers.  Prior blog posts did not reflect accurate manufacturing deadlines for AED accessories and our apologies for the misprinted information regarding these deadlines.