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.

No. Alaska doesn't require medical direction, training or registration to own an AED. If your company or insurance wants a medical director on file anyway, mention it when you ask for a quote.

You ask for a quote, and Travis comes back with his best price, usually by the next business day. Once you say yes, you pay (card online, cash or check) and he orders it. In Sitka he brings it to you and makes sure it's ready to go. Outside Sitka it ships to your door, shipping included. 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.

Every AED comes ready to use: adult pads and a battery already in it, a response kit, and the full manufacturer warranty. Everything else is an add-on, so you only pay for what your spot needs:

• Wall cabinet with alarm and wall sign: for a fixed spot in a workplace. Included with the Philips OnSite and LIFEPAK CR2 USB.
• Child pads or child key: for kids under 8 or 55 lbs. Built in on the ZOLL AED 3 and LIFEPAK CR2.
• Installation and inspections: in Sitka, if you want them.

The AED Sales page lists the add-on prices for each model.

Ask. Tell us how many and which models, and Travis will try to beat the posted price. You hear back by the next business day. It's common for businesses with more than one floor, schools with several buildings, and fishing fleets. Ask for a quote

Yes. You can order different models in one order. A school might want a cabinet-mounted AED in the main office and a portable one for the athletic department. You get one quote for the whole order.

Yes. In Sitka, Travis brings it to you. Anywhere else, it ships to your door with shipping included. Sales tax is added where it applies.

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

Want a heads-up before yours run out? If you want, we'll track your pad and battery dates and remind you, free. Replacement pads and batteries

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, if you have one, so the event can be reviewed
• Save the event data from the AED for medical review

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 places choose to keep one, including 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, per the American Heart Association.

Training is not legally required to use an AED. Good Samaritan laws in Alaska protect bystanders who use one in an emergency, as long as someone calls 911. 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

Yes. We help you pick the model and where it goes, train your staff in CPR/AED, install and mount it (added fee), track your pad and battery dates for free, if you want that, and do AED inspections if you want them ($25 each in Sitka). Get an AED quote

Yes. We're an authorized AED reseller and buy from several suppliers. Every AED is new and comes with the full manufacturer's warranty.

Yes. Pads and batteries for most major brands are listed with prices, and we offer HSI-certified CPR/AED training for teams who need recertification. Not sure what you have? Text a photo of it to (907) 738-9055.