If you need the best AED for small business, our experts recommend the Philips OnSite AED. It is affordable, easy to use, and requires virtually no maintenance.
A worker is injured on the job every 7 seconds. Workplaces tend to focus on preventing job-site injuries like slip-and-fall, overexertion, and contact with falling objects. An AED allows you to address another important preventive safety measure: cardiac arrest response.
When you consider that there are over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests per year, the importance of having an AED can scarcely be overstated. When you have the Philips OnSite at your disposal, you’re ready to respond to a cardiac emergency like a trained professional—even if you have no medical training.
3 Reasons Why the OnSite Is the Best AED for Small Business
There are a lot of great AEDs out there, but the Philips OnSite is ideal for small businesses because it’s affordable, user-friendly, and virtually maintenance-free.
1. The Philips OnSite Is Budget-Friendly
Small businesses typically operate on tight or even shoestring budgets, so you don’t want an AED that’s going to cost an arm and a leg. The Philips HeartStart OnSite retails for just $1,465, making it one of the most affordable AEDs available from an FDA-approved manufacturer.
To save even more money, consider getting a Philips OnSite value package. which costs a mere $50 more and contains everything you need for complete AED program management: the defibrillator, pads, a battery, a cabinet, a carry case, signs, a first-aid kit, and more.
The savings add up even more when you consider that the OnSite comes with an 8-year warranty and a 4-year battery (with 5-year standby life). The pads only last 2 years, but they’re extremely inexpensive to replace.
2. Anyone in Your Office Can Use the Philips OnSite
You probably don’t have medical personnel readily available in the office, so you need an AED that your entire staff can confidently operate at a moment’s notice.
The Philips OnSite makes it easy. In the event of a cardiac arrest, the OnSite provides calm, clear, step-by-step instructions throughout the entire rescue process. It automatically scans for a shockable heart rhythm and only advises you to shock the patient if defibrillation is warranted.
It also provides easy CPR guidance; just place your hands on the patient’s chest according to the provided instructions and then push down in time with the metronome.
3. The Philips OnSite Requires Almost Zero Maintenance
When you run a small business, you don’t have time to constantly monitor and maintain your first-aid equipment. With the Philips OnSite, you don’t have to.
The device conducts automatic self-tests to ensure constant readiness. Every day, the device tests its electrical components, batteries, and internal systems. It also tests the pads cartridge to ensure that it’s properly installed and ready to go.
As long as your blinking “Ready” light remains green, you know that your AED is emergency-ready. If there’s ever a problem, you’ll receive audible and visual alerts.
The only things you have to keep track of are your pad and battery expiration dates. With AED program management, you can receive automatic replacement reminders.
Other Reasons Why the OnSite Is the Best AED for Business
The Philips HeartStart OnSite offers several additional benefits that apply to small businesses and other AED owners alike:
- SMART Biphasic Technology: Philips’ patented SMART Biphasic Technology uses reversing, alternating currents to save more lives with less electricity.
- A rugged, lightweight package: The OnSite weighs just 3.3 pounds and is resistant to drops, shocks, extreme temperatures, and moisture and dust penetration. It can handle any environment.
- Child-friendliness: If your business caters to kids, you can purchase a set of pediatric pads and be prepared for child emergencies.
Are Small Businesses Required to Have AEDs?
More and more businesses nationwide are being required to keep an automated external defibrillator on hand, but it ultimately depends on where you live and what kind of work you’re in.
For instance:
- Dental offices are required to have an AED in the following states (if anesthesia is administered): Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, New York, Virginia, and Washington.
- Dialysis centers are required to have an AED in Alabama and New Hampshire.
- Health clubs and gyms are required to have an AED in California, Illinois, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
- Optometrists in Tennessee are required to have an AED if anesthesia is administered.
- Racing and gaming facilities are required to have an AED in Illinois, Iowa, and Mississippi.
Laws may also vary by city, county, and other jurisdiction, so make sure to do your research.
Why Every Business Should Have an AED
Even if you’re not required to have an AED, there are some distinct benefits to investing in one.
- An AED may shield you from liability. Many cardiac arrest deaths are preventable, and you may be held liable if someone dies on your premises because a defibrillator wasn’t available.
- An AED adds confidence and assurance to both employees and customers. It demonstrates that you’re looking out for the people in your care and that you’re prepared for any eventuality.
- Your AED may be used to save the life of someone in your community. If a neighboring business has a cardiac emergency, they may check the local AED registry and discover that you have a device on hand. A life may be saved as a result.
Most importantly, an AED ensures the safety of your workforce. You hope you’ll never need it, but if you do, you’ll be eternally grateful to have it. And if your AED happens to be the Philips OnSite, you’ll be prepared to use it with confidence and assurance. That’s why the OnSite receives our recommendation as the best AED for small business.
