MED-TAC International's AEDs & Resuscitation Devices collection covers the complete cardiac arrest response toolkit: automated external defibrillators (AEDs), bag-valve masks (BVMs), pocket masks, and CPR adjuncts. Configured for public access deployment, law enforcement, EMS, and occupational health programs — aligned with American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Surgeons (ACS) resuscitation guidelines.
What AED Should I Choose for Public Access, Office, or Tactical Deployment?
AED selection depends on the deployment environment, intended user, and maintenance burden. For public access (schools, offices, gyms): devices with step-by-step voice and visual guidance, minimal maintenance, and long battery/pad life (e.g., Philips HeartStart FRx, ZOLL AED 3, Physio-Control CR2). For law enforcement and tactical: compact, ruggedized AEDs with IP-rated enclosures and compatibility with medical-grade accessories. For EMS and clinical: full-featured monitor/defibrillators (e.g., ZOLL X Series, Physio-Control LIFEPAK) that integrate with advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) workflows. AHA guidelines recommend AED placement within 90–120 seconds of any location in a facility — the time to first shock is the primary determinant of survival from shockable cardiac arrest. The Respiratory Support collection provides complementary airway management supplies.
AED and Resuscitation Device Comparison
| Device Category |
Function |
Key Products |
User Level |
| Public Access AED |
Guided defibrillation for bystanders |
Philips FRx, ZOLL AED 3, Physio CR2 |
Untrained bystander to EMT |
| Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) |
Positive-pressure ventilation (without intubation) |
Laerdal Silicone BVM, Ambu SPUR II |
First responder, EMS, hospital |
| Pocket Mask |
Barrier device for mouth-to-mask ventilation |
Laerdal Pocket Mask, CPR Microshield |
Trained layperson, first responder |
| CPR Feedback Device |
Real-time compression depth/rate guidance |
ZOLL CPR-D Padz with CPR feedback, Laerdal CPRmeter |
EMS, hospital |
| AED Accessories & Pads |
Replacement pads, batteries, cabinets |
Brand-specific (Philips, ZOLL, Physio-Control) |
All users |
What Do AHA 2020 Guidelines Say About AED Use and CPR Technique?
The American Heart Association 2020 Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care emphasize: (1) early recognition and activation — call 911 and deploy the AED simultaneously; (2) high-quality CPR — compressions at 2–2.4 inches depth, 100–120/minute rate, full chest recoil, and minimal interruptions; (3) early defibrillation — the AED should be applied and analyzed as soon as available; each minute without defibrillation reduces survival by approximately 7–10%; (4) integrated post-resuscitation care — minimize interruptions during rhythm analysis and shock delivery. For untrained bystanders, AHA supports Hands-Only CPR (compressions only, no breaths) as an acceptable alternative to conventional CPR for witnessed adult cardiac arrest. AED pads should be placed at the right upper chest (below the clavicle) and the left lateral thorax (below the axilla).
Does Law Enforcement Need AEDs?
Yes. The Law Enforcement-AED (LE-AED) program, supported by the American Heart Association, recognizes that law enforcement officers are often first on scene for medical emergencies — arriving before EMS in many settings. Patrol vehicle AED programs have demonstrated 40–50% survival rates for witnessed ventricular fibrillation when officers defibrillate within the first 2–3 minutes. IACP and AHA recommend AED deployment in patrol vehicles, police stations, and courthouses. Law enforcement AED programs complement the active shooter/trauma protocols in the Mass Casualty Incident Active Shooter Kits collection — cardiac arrest secondary to trauma or metabolic derangement is a significant component of law enforcement medical responses.
What Are AED Maintenance and Inspection Requirements?
AED readiness requires routine maintenance: (1) monthly visual inspection of the device status indicator (most modern AEDs have a self-check LED — green/checkmark = ready); (2) annual or manufacturer-specified battery and pad replacement (most pads have 2-year expiration, batteries vary by model and use); (3) documentation of inspection dates per OSHA and NFPA 99 recommendations for AED programs; (4) post-use restocking — pads and data card replacement after any clinical or training use. AHA recommends designating an AED program coordinator responsible for maintenance and records. MED-TAC stocks replacement pads, batteries, and accessories for major AED brands.
Equip Your Team for Cardiac Emergency Response
AEDs, BVMs, and CPR equipment — AHA/ACS guideline-compliant resuscitation gear for public access to advanced care settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an untrained bystander safely use an AED?+
Yes. Public access AEDs are specifically designed for use by untrained bystanders. The AED provides voice and visual prompts that guide the user through every step: power on, pad placement, stand clear, and shock delivery. The device analyzes the cardiac rhythm automatically and will only deliver a shock if a shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia) is detected — it will not shock a patient in a normal rhythm or whose heart is in asystole. Studies consistently show that lay bystander AED use is safe and that fear of causing harm is the primary barrier to use. Good Samaritan laws in all 50 states protect AED users acting in good faith.
What is the difference between an AED and a monitor/defibrillator?+
An AED (automated external defibrillator) is designed for use by laypersons and first responders with minimal training — it automatically analyzes rhythm and delivers a shock if indicated. A monitor/defibrillator (e.g., ZOLL X Series, LIFEPAK 15) is a clinical device operated by trained EMS or hospital providers, providing a full ECG display, manual shock capability, transcutaneous pacing, SpO2, capnography, and ACLS medication administration integration. AEDs are appropriate for public access and law enforcement programs; monitor/defibrillators are appropriate for ALS-level EMS systems and clinical environments.
How many AEDs should a building have per AHA guidelines?+
The American Heart Association recommends AED placement such that the device can be retrieved and applied within 3–5 minutes of collapse — typically requiring AED placement every 100 meters or on every floor of a multi-story building. High-risk locations (fitness centers, large assembly areas, cafeterias) warrant additional units. OSHA guidance recommends AED placement in buildings where over 100 people are present or where high-exertion activities occur. Many states have specific AED placement laws for schools, fitness facilities, and public buildings — consult your state health department for applicable requirements.
Can AED pads be used on children?+
Most AEDs include or offer pediatric pads (or a pediatric key/switch) that reduce the energy delivered to levels appropriate for children under 8 years or less than 25 kg. AHA guidelines recommend pediatric-attenuated pads for children when available. If only adult pads are available and no pediatric option exists, adult pads may be used — place one pad on the front center chest and one on the back to avoid pad overlap. Defibrillation is indicated for the same shockable rhythms in children as adults; survival benefit outweighs the risk of adult-dose energy delivery if pediatric pads are unavailable.
What is the role of a BVM vs. a pocket mask in resuscitation?+
A pocket mask is a barrier device for mouth-to-mask ventilation — the rescuer provides the breath volume and oxygen through their own exhalation. It requires minimal training and is appropriate for trained laypersons and first responders. A bag-valve mask (BVM) provides positive-pressure ventilation using manual bag compression, delivering higher tidal volumes and allowing supplemental oxygen administration (up to 95%+ FiO2 with reservoir bag and oxygen source). BVMs require training for single-rescuer use (maintaining mask seal while squeezing the bag is technically challenging) and are standard in EMS and hospital resuscitation protocols. For unventilated cardiac arrest, both are secondary to high-quality chest compressions.
Related Collections
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
