My workplace just purchased these units. There was much review of various types, configurations, features etc. before the final purchase was authorized by central office.
We now have about 30 units deployed in our district (our local head office alone has 4 stationed in the various lobbies). The remainder are spread out among our various field offices in our district (which covers 5 counties).
The comment regarding the need for physician Rx is correct, and I presume that your medical coverage provider or company insurance might well be able to help out with the various needed details. As others have mentioned, get more than a one person trained on these. My personal opinion is that everyone that takes CPR training should also receive the AED training automatically, according to the instructors this is a commonly expressed sentiment.
We went with the Heart Assoc. CPR and AED training which was limited to 8 students per instructor. Don't know if this was an association requirement, or our required by our internal safety dept. though.
These units are about as KISS and foolproof as one could wish. Open the cabinet door (wall mounted cabinets were extra) and a battery powered siren sounds (fed by two 9v batts.) Take the unit to the person in need, open the lid, push the button and follow the directions. It talks you through everything. I concur 100+% with the comment that most, if not all assembly areas should have these readily available, and that seconds count.
Amazingly enough, the very day that I was in class (about 8 hrs.) when we broke for lunch, somebody on the 3rd. floor had chest pains and 911 was called out.
Immediately, our emergency team popped into action...thankfully the AED was not needed, and the person went to the hospital. Turned out that this person had been experiencing pains all morning (since early AM) and had commented on this to a co-worker who then called 911.
The instructors were VERY IMPRESSED with our emergency teams immediate and clearly coordinated actions (securing elevators, flagmen in the 10 acre parking lot, clearing halls, holding doors open, contacting HRD for medical info. to give paramedics etc.) We just learned last week, that in each of the subsequent 20 or so classes that they've held, we were held up as a great example. We went out to lunch to celebrate our recognition.
Yes, it will cost money up front (units + staff training + monitoring status + periodic battery replacements etc.) It will be well spent, and the first time that your unit(s) are called into action on a real save, you will be glad that you were prepared.
On a side note, it is possible that there might be some sort of insurance reduction for your business by having the unit(s) and staff training.
Disclaimer: I am not associated with any vendors/manufacturers of these or other AED units, neither am I a medical graduate or practioner. Just someone that tries to be prepared, and has taken Red Cross training and CPR classes since 1975. I figure that if it is one on my family members, I want to be able to help them until truly qualified assistance is on scene, and I have from time to time, been able to help others along the way.
Good luck and best wishes on your purchase.
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ps kubolaw, feel free to PM with any ?'s. Don't know how much I can help out but I'm willing to try.