AED Buyer's FAQ

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a portable device that analyzes a person's heart rhythm and, if it detects a life-threatening arrhythmia (like ventricular fibrillation), delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal rhythm. Modern AEDs are designed so anyone can use them. They give clear voice and visual instructions at every step, and some models are even fully automatic (no button to press). They do not shock a normal heart rhythm; the device makes all the clinical decisions.

No. AEDs are designed for bystander use with no medical training required. The device walks you through everything, placing the pads, staying clear, and when to deliver a shock. That said, CPR/AED certification training significantly improves confidence and effectiveness. We offer HSI-certified CPR/AED courses that can be bundled with any AED purchase. View our training options

Semi-automatic: The AED analyzes the heart rhythm and tells you a shock is advised, but you press a button to deliver it.

Fully automatic: The AED analyzes and delivers the shock automatically, no button press needed. This is ideal in situations where the responder may be panicked or untrained.

Both types are equally effective. Fully automatic models are often preferred for public locations like lobbies, vessels, or schools where bystanders may have no training at all.

Medical Direction (AED-TS) is physician oversight of your AED program. Under federal FDA rules most AEDs are prescription devices; the Philips HeartStart OnSite is the only one sold over the counter. Through HSI, a licensed physician writes that prescription, reviews your AED program, and gives protocol guidance. One year is included in every package we sell.

Three steps. You ask for a quote, and Travis comes back with a price within 24 hours. Once you say yes, HSI (Health & Safety Institute) bills you directly and ships the AED to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days. We are an authorized HSI reseller. After that, Travis is your local contact for pad and battery dates, a unit that starts chirping, or CPR training for your staff. Get an AED quote

The right AED depends on your environment, budget, and who will be using it. Here's a quick guide:

• Easiest for untrained staff: Philips HeartStart OnSite: user-paced prompts, no rush
• Best CPR feedback: ZOLL AED Plus: shows compression depth in real time
• Most compact / rugged (marine, outdoor, small spaces): HeartSine samaritan PAD 350P/360P or 450P
• Video-guided rescue (best for high-anxiety environments): Defibtech Lifeline VIEW
• Fully automatic, proven workhorse: Defibtech Lifeline AED

Not sure? Contact us and we'll walk you through it.

All packages include the AED unit and 1 year of HSI Medical Direction. Here's what differs:

• Mobile: AED + Medical Direction, plus a carry case on some models. Best for first responders, marine vessels, or people who travel with their device.
• Business: Adds a wall sign and wall cabinet for fixed installation in a workplace.
• School: Includes pediatric pads, a Pad-Pak or a pediatric key for children under 8 or 55 lbs.

Most packages also include an HSI Response Kit with CPR mask and gloves. The AED Sales page lists exactly what comes in each package.

Yes. The more AEDs you purchase, the lower the per-unit price. Volume pricing is available for orders of 2 or more units across any mix of models. This is common for businesses covering multiple floors, schools with multiple buildings, or commercial fishing fleets. Contact us for a multi-unit quote

Yes. You can order different models and packages in a single order. For example, a school might want a School Package for the main office and a Mobile Package for their athletic department. We'll put together a custom quote that covers the full order.

HSI, not Island Fire & Safety, ships the unit and handles the billing, so any shipping charge comes from HSI. Ask when you request a quote and we will get the full delivered price from HSI before you order. Most units arrive in Sitka within 5 to 10 business days.

It depends on the model, but here's a general guide:

• Philips HeartStart OnSite: Battery 4 years, Pads 2 years
• ZOLL AED Plus: Battery 5 years, CPR-D•padz 5 years
• HeartSine 350P / 360P / 450P: Pad-Pak (battery + pads combined) 4 years
• Defibtech Lifeline VIEW: Battery 4 years, Pads 2 years
• Defibtech Lifeline AED: Battery 5 to 7 years (model dependent), Pads 2 years

We can set up replacement reminders for you as part of our ongoing support program.

Yes. All AEDs we carry perform automatic self-tests (daily, weekly, or both depending on model) and have a status indicator light or display that shows whether the device is ready. A green light or flashing indicator means it's ready; a red or alarm indicator means attention is needed. The devices check battery level, pad connectivity, and internal circuitry.

After an AED is used, the device typically locks and records the event data (ECG, shock delivery, timestamps). You'll need to:

• Replace the electrode pads (single-use)
• Replace the battery if it was substantially depleted
• Let your medical director know so the event can be reviewed (HSI Medical Direction handles this)
• Download event data for medical review (HSI Medical Direction can assist)

Contact us and we'll walk you through post-event steps.

Requirements vary by state and industry. Alaska does not currently have a blanket mandate for all businesses, but many industries and property types are increasingly expected to have AEDs, including commercial fishing vessels, schools, gyms, large employers, and public buildings. Many insurance providers and commercial landlords also recommend or require them. We recommend having one regardless of legal requirement. Cardiac arrest survival rates drop 7 to 10% every minute without defibrillation.

Training is not legally required to use an AED. Good Samaritan laws in Alaska protect bystanders who attempt to use one in good faith. However, trained staff respond faster, with less hesitation, and perform better CPR. We offer HSI-certified CPR/AED training that can be bundled directly with your AED purchase. View training options

Absolutely. That's our specialty. A complete AED program includes device selection and placement, staff CPR/AED training, on-site installation and mounting, compliance documentation, and ongoing maintenance reminders. Contact us to get started

Yes. We are an authorized HSI AED reseller. All AEDs are purchased through HSI, and HSI handles the billing and ships the unit directly to you. Your device warranty is fully valid and registered through the manufacturer.

Yes. We can source replacement pads and batteries for most major AED brands, and we offer HSI-certified CPR/AED training for teams who need recertification. Reach out and let us know what you have