So you’re ready to start shopping for a new defibrillator. Maybe your team just turned ALS and you’re ready to upgrade, maybe your city regulations changed requiring you to carry an additional parameter such as 12-lead, or maybe you have some grant money to spend and want to beef up the equipment on your rigs. Whatever the case, choosing the right configuration on a new defibrillator can be a daunting task.
The first option to consider is if you would like a Monophasic or Biphasic defibrillator. Monophasic units have older technology which require a higher joule output level to shock the patient, but also come with a cheaper price tag. These units can be a good fit for EMS training institutions or those with a limited budget. Biphasic defibrillators, on the other hand, use a lower energy output level and are considered safer for the patient - but are priced a bit higher.
Next you need to decide which parameters you would like to include on your new defibrillator. Typically your budget will dictate this since each additional parameter will add more to the price. Also, local legislations may require you to carry certain parameters. So, choose wisely.
Here is a list of available parameters:
- Pacing – essentially acts as a pacemaker maintaining the rhythm of the heart.
- AED – Automated or Advisory defibrillation for BLS providers
- SPO2 – Pulse oximetry which measures the blood’s oxygen saturation level
- 12-lead ECG – Most units come standard with 3-lead, with 12-lead being an additional parameter. Helps to pinpoint vascular blockages which may be causing irregular heartbeats.
- NIBP – Non-invasive blood pressure taken with a cuff.
- IBP – Invasive blood pressure taken with a catheter.
- ETCO2 – Measures how much carbon dioxide the patient exhales.
Next, you’ll want to decide if you want to go with New, Refurbished or Factory Refurbished. The benefits of a Brand New defibrillator are obvious and will come with the longest warranty however they will also have the steepest price. Factory Refurbished are next in line price-wise and have been reconditioned direct from the manufacturer. The third option is Refurbished which has been reconditioned from a third-party company but can have a price tag close to half that of a brand new unit. Going with a Refurbished unit can save you quite a bit of money but make sure you are going with a reputable company that has Certified technicians in their Biomedical Repair center. Also, make sure that the Refurbished defibrillators have a decent parts and labor warranty (i.e., at least 12-months). It is not advised to purchase an as-is or used defibrillator that has not been refurbished at all.
Once you’ve narrowed this down you’re ready to start looking at different brands. Among the most popular are the Zoll M-Series, Physio Control Lifepak 12, and the Philips MRX. These top-of-the-line units will offer much of the same functionality so your decision may come down to a few different factors:
- Preference - what your crew has been trained on or used in the past
- Compatibility – Do you want your consumables (i.e., electrodes) to be compatible with what the local hospitals or services use?
- Price – There are slight price differences between the top-level units.
Here is more information on some of the more popular defibrillators:
Lifepak 12 Monophasic