Aviation Automatic External Defibrillators

Recently, I’ve been working with a general aviation company on CPR, AED, and First Aid training.  The experience has been educational and a ton of fun.  


However, I was shocked when they told me some of the things that my competitors have been doing.  For instance, there is a uniform company that thinks it can teach CPR and sell defibrillators (the company will remain nameless).  According to my customer, the uniform company tried to sell them their AED product the ReviveR.  


Take a close look at the RiviveR and you will notice that it is the same unit as the Defibtech Lifeline AED.  Folks, the Defibtech Lifeline is NOT a FAA approved defibrillator and neither is the ReviveR.  


When my customer told me how much they were charging, it floored me.  The price was $250 more than the same AED provided by most AED retailers.  The aviation approved AED the company actually needed was $200 less than the device the uniform company was trying to sell them.  


It frustrates me that this uniform company was leading my client astray.  It seems that they are more interested in turning a quick profit than actually providing their customers with the most appropriate device.  As I mentioned earlier in this blog, buy your AEDs from reputable retailers.  E-mail me at nick@safetynetems.org and I’ll put you in touch with someone who will work with you.  Even going with one of the on-line retailers would have been better than dealing with the uniform company.  A good online retailer is www.aedbrands.com.  


Here’s some information on AEDs, CPR training, and First Aid training for aviation companies.  


1.  AEDs are “no-go” items and must be carried as indicated on the Minimum Equipment List for airplanes with a maximum payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds with at least one flight attendant.


2.  Flight attendants must have a minimum training of CPR and AED.  That training must be refreshed every 24 months.  Personally, I think the entire flight crew should receive the American Heart Association HeartSaver AED and First Aid training.  This can be accomplished quickly and inexpensively if done as a hybrid on-line/live skills test program.  I know how hard it is to get pilots and flight crews in one place at one time for a training class.  E-mail me for more information at nick@safetynetems.org.


3.  The AED manufacturers that offer aviation AEDs are Philips, Cardiac Science, and HeartSine.  I prefer the Philips product; see older blog posting for more information on this.  


I’ve had so much fun with my current client that I’ve considered specializing in safety training and consulting for the aviation industry.  If you know anyone who may be interested in my services, please have them email me.  Thanks!