AED Buyer’s Checklist: How to Choose the Right AED for Your Facility

AED Buyer’s Checklist: How to Choose the Right AED for Your Facility

AED Buyer’s Checklist: How to Choose the Right AED for Your Facility

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere — workplaces, schools, gyms, churches, and public spaces. Having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site can be the difference between life and death.

But choosing the right AED isn’t always straightforward.

This AED buyer’s checklist will help you understand what to look for, how many AEDs you need, and how to make sure your organization is properly prepared.

Why Choosing the Right AED Matters

Not all AEDs are the same. Selecting the wrong device — or placing it incorrectly — can lead to delays during an emergency.

A proper AED setup ensures:

  • Faster emergency response times

  • Clear instructions for untrained responders

  • Compliance with safety best practices

  • Long-term reliability and readiness

AED Buyer’s Checklist (Quick Overview)

Before purchasing an AED, consider the following:

1. Identify Your Facility Type

Different environments have different needs. Consider whether the AED will be used in:

  • A workplace or office

  • A school or campus

  • A gym or fitness center

  • A church or place of worship

  • A public safety or first responder environment

2. Determine How Many AEDs You Need

General guidelines include:

  • At least one AED per facility

  • One AED per floor for multi-level buildings

  • Placement so the AED can be reached within 3 minutes from anywhere in the building

3. Choose the Right AED Features

Look for AEDs that offer:

  • Clear voice and visual prompts

  • Adult and pediatric capability

  • Automatic or semi-automatic shock delivery

  • FDA-approved technology

4. Proper Placement & Visibility

AEDs should be:

  • Easily accessible

  • Mounted in visible locations

  • Placed near high-traffic areas

  • Clearly marked with AED signage

5. Training & Preparedness

Even though AEDs are designed for untrained users, preparedness is key:

  • Identify staff or volunteers as responders

  • Provide CPR/AED training when possible

  • Include AED use in emergency action plans

6. Maintenance & Ongoing Readiness

An AED is only effective if it’s ready to use:

  • Track battery expiration dates

  • Replace electrode pads before expiration

  • Perform regular visual inspections

  • Keep spare pads and accessories on hand

Download the Complete AED Buyer’s Checklist (PDF)

This article covers the basics — but the complete AED Buyer’s Checklist includes a printable, step-by-step guide you can use to evaluate your facility and choose the right AED with confidence.

👉 [Download the Free AED Buyer’s Checklist (PDF)]

Need Help Choosing the Right AED?

If you’d like expert help selecting the right AED for your workplace, school, gym, church, or organization, our team at USAEDSupplies offers free AED recommendations based on your specific needs.

👉 Request a free AED recommendation today.

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