Selecting an automated external defibrillator (AED) for your workplace is more than a simple purchase. It’s a critical decision that impacts the safety of every employee, customer, and visitor. With over 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually in the U.S., the presence of a functional and properly managed AED is a lifeline in case of a cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association reports that for every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by 7 to 10 percent.
This urgency puts immense pressure on procurement officers, facility managers, and EH&S leaders to make the right choice. But the market is crowded with options, from simple online resellers to full service providers. How do you cut through the noise and find a supplier who will be a true partner in your safety program? It starts by asking the right questions.
A partner or just a reseller?
The most fundamental distinction you need to make is whether a potential vendor is a transactional reseller or a strategic partner. A reseller sells you a device. Their job is often done once the invoice is paid. You might find them on large e-commerce sites similar to an AED superstore, where the focus is on volume and price.
A strategic partner, however, invests in your success. They understand that deploying an AED is the beginning of an ongoing process. They help you build, manage, and sustain a comprehensive emergency response program that minimizes risk and maximizes readiness. This partnership approach is the foundation of a successful and legally compliant AED program, which OSHA notes can increase survival odds by up to 40%.
Key questions for every potential AED vendor
To properly evaluate a vendor and determine if they are the right long term partner for your organization, your evaluation must go beyond the device itself. Here is a structured framework of questions to guide your conversations.
Do you partner directly with all six FDA approved manufacturers?
This question immediately separates brand agnostic consultants from biased salespeople. A vendor tied to one or two brands will naturally steer you toward their limited selection, regardless of whether it’s the best fit for your unique environment.
A partner with direct relationships with all six major FDA approved manufacturers such as Philips, ZOLL, Cardiac Science, Defibtech, HeartSine, and Physio-Control (LIFEPAK), can provide an unbiased, expert recommendation tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need a rugged device for a manufacturing floor or a simple unit for a corporate office, they can source the ideal solution. This diversity of access also protects you from supply chain disruptions and ensures you can compare all top AED brands on a level playing field.
Can you demonstrate expertise in our specific industry?
An AED program for a multi-site logistics company looks very different from one for a single corporate campus or a school district. A seasoned vendor should be able to provide case studies or specific examples of how they’ve served businesses like yours.
Ask about their experience with:
- Your facility layouts (e.g., high rise buildings, sprawling warehouses).
- Your employee demographics and potential responder base.
- Your industry’s specific regulatory and liability concerns.
Their answers will reveal whether you’re getting a cookie cutter solution or a truly customized safety strategy.
How will you help us manage compliance and readiness?
Owning an AED comes with significant responsibilities. You must track battery and electrode pad expiration dates, ensure the device is medically prescribed, and comply with local and state registration laws. For a busy EH&S or operations team, this administrative work can be overwhelming.
A premier vendor will offer comprehensive AED program management. Ask if their service includes:
- Physician medical oversight and prescription management.
- Automated alerts for expiring consumables.
- A web portal or mobile app for tracking device status and inspections.
- Post event support, including data download and loaner devices.
Modern AEDs often feature Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring, and a top tier vendor will leverage this technology to ensure your devices are always ready.
What training and ongoing support do you provide?
An AED is only effective if people feel confident enough to use it. A vendor’s commitment to your program shouldn’t end at the point of sale. Inquire about their training capabilities. Do they offer certified, on site instruction in CPR and AED use? Do they provide virtual options for remote teams?
Effective AED training transforms bystanders into empowered first responders. A true partner will help you build a culture of preparedness by ensuring your team has the skills and confidence to act decisively in an emergency.
Can you provide a transparent breakdown of total cost of ownership?
The initial purchase price of an AED is only part of the story. To budget effectively, you need a clear picture of the total cost of ownership over the life of the device.
Ask for a detailed quote that includes:
- The price of the AED unit itself.
- The cost and replacement schedule for batteries and electrode pads.
- Any fees for program management software or services.
- The cost of initial and refresher training courses.
A vendor focused on a long term partnership will be transparent and upfront about all costs, helping you avoid surprises down the road.
What to look for in their answers
As you ask these questions, pay close attention not just to what is said, but how it’s said.
Green flags include a focus on partnership, detailed explanations of their program management services, and questions about your specific operational needs. They should sound like a consultant trying to solve your problem.
Red flags include an immediate push toward a specific product, vague answers about support and compliance, and a primary focus on getting the sale. They will sound like a salesperson trying to move a product.
The aed leader difference a partnership for preparedness
At AED Leader, we’ve built our entire business around being the strategic partner that B2B clients need. We provide clear answers to every one of these critical questions.
- Unbiased Expertise:
We have direct partnerships with all six FDA approved manufacturers, ensuring you get the right device, not just the one we need to sell. - B2B Focus:
Since 2008, we have designed turnkey programs for corporations, institutions, and public entities. We understand the unique challenges of multi-site operations and large campuses. - Total Compliance Management:
Our AED Total Solution program handles everything from physician oversight to automated expiration alerts, all managed through an intuitive web portal. - Comprehensive Training:
Our nationwide network of instructors delivers certified training in CPR, AED, and first aid, tailored to your team and facility. - Transparent Pricing:
We provide clear, all inclusive proposals and a one year lowest price guarantee, ensuring you understand the full value of your investment.
Your next step toward a safer workplace
Choosing an AED vendor is a decision that will echo through your organization’s safety culture for years to come. By asking these strategic questions, you can move beyond a simple transaction and forge a partnership that protects your people and your business.
If you are ready to build a comprehensive emergency response program, contact our team today for an assessment of your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Why can’t I just buy the cheapest AED online?
A: While it may seem cost effective initially, buying a device without a support structure places the entire burden of compliance, maintenance, and training on your team. The lowest priced AED can become the most expensive if it fails during an emergency due to an expired battery or if your company is found non compliant with local regulations. A full service partner mitigates these risks.
Q: How much work is it to manage an AED program?
A: A self managed program requires significant administrative effort, including tracking multiple expiration dates for every device, maintaining training certifications, ensuring medical oversight, and navigating complex state laws. A managed service, like our AED Total Solution, automates these tasks and consolidates all information into a single portal, reducing the administrative burden on your staff to just a few minutes a month.
Q: Is special certification required to own or use an AED?
A: Regulations vary by state. Some states require formal training and certification for anticipated responders, while others have Good Samaritan laws that protect untrained users. A knowledgeable vendor can help you understand your specific local requirements and determine what is AED certification and training plan is needed to ensure both compliance and responder confidence.
Q: How do I know which AED model is right for my facility?
A: The best model depends on your environment (e.g., office, pool, manufacturing plant), your budget, and the skill level of likely responders. Evaluating various AED features is critical. A brand agnostic vendor can assess these factors and recommend the most suitable device from across all major manufacturers, ensuring you get a solution tailored to your needs rather than their inventory.
