In emergencies, every second can mean the difference between life and death.

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. That's why it's essential that defibrillators are always available and kept in a visible location.

Defibrillators must be present in all places where there are large numbers of people: in shopping centers, train stations, airports, sports facilities, schools and workplaces. They also ensure safety in residential areas and public buildings. Clearly visible placement and clear signage ensure that no time is lost in an emergency.

The presence of defibrillators in the environment increases the general feeling of safety and encourages people to engage in life-saving measures. Training and awareness campaigns can spread knowledge about the use of AEDs and increase willingness to help.

Notice

All defibrillators are subject to certain storage and usage conditions and must therefore be stored accordingly. Storage indoors is not a problem and there is a large selection of storage containers. If the defibrillator is stored outdoors, the wall box must be heated in winter and ventilated in summer. Temperatures outside the permitted limits recommended by the manufacturer cause problems with the electrode gel and/or the battery! Make sure the wall box manufacturer offers a guarantee to ensure the defibrillator's functionality.

By making defibrillators available at all times and in all places and keeping them visible, we are making a decisive contribution to saving lives. Their presence is a sign of care and a sense of responsibility towards the community. Let us work together to ensure that life-saving measures are possible at all times and in all places - because every moment counts!

All danger areas

Your questions, our answers: Everything you need to know about defibrillators

Do you have questions about defibrillators? Here you will find quick and understandable answers to the most frequently asked questions. From how they work to how to use them correctly and how to maintain them - we will help you prepare for emergencies as best as possible. Browse through our FAQs and become a lifesaver!
1

WHAT ARE LAYPERSON DEFIBRILLATORS?

Bystander defibrillators, also known as automated external defibrillators (AEDs), are portable medical devices designed to help treat sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. Unlike professional defibrillators, which are often used in medical facilities by trained personnel, bystander defibrillators are designed to be operated by anyone, especially those without medical training.

Our offered defibrillators are easy to use and come with voice or visual instructions that guide the user through the entire process, from placing the electrodes on the patient's body to delivering the shock if necessary. They automatically analyze the patient's heart rhythm and deliver a shock only when it is actually needed.

Similar to fire extinguishers, lay defibrillators must be installed wherever family members, friends, employees, guests, customers, patients, members and students are located to provide immediate help in an emergency before professional medical help arrives. The immediate availability (max. 3-5 minutes) and use of AEDs leads to a significantly higher survival rate.

2

WHY DEFIBRILLATORS FOR LAYMEN?

In critical moments such as sudden cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation, a lay defibrillator can make the difference between life and death.
  • Fast response time: Defibrillators are crucial for immediate medical intervention. Their increased placement in public places such as shopping centers, airports, communities, sports stadiums... allows immediate help to be available in an emergency without having to wait for professional help. The number of defibrillators currently available is far from sufficient to ensure emergency care by laypeople!

  • Ease of use: The ease of use of lay defibrillators allows people without medical training to take life-saving measures. Visual and voice instructions guide the user through the process of defibrillation, ensuring quick and effective help.

  • Improved chances of survival: Studies have shown that the use of lay defibrillators can significantly increase the chances of survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest and ventricular fibrillation. Rapid defibrillation can bring the heart back to a normal rhythm and restore blood flow.

  • Additional safety for the community: Installing lay defibrillators increases the safety of the population and increases the feeling of care.

  • Easy integration into first aid measures: Defibrillators are an integral part of first aid measures and help ensure that everyone is able to act appropriately in an emergency. Their presence (similar to fire extinguishers) is therefore crucial.
    Overall, bystander defibrillators play an indispensable role in improving emergency care and can help save lives and protect community health. Their importance cannot be overstated as they enable a rapid and effective response to life-threatening situations.
3

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT LAY DEFIBRILLATORS?

Defibrillators differ according to their type, functionality and area of ​​application.

  1. Users: Professional defibrillators are mainly used by medical professionals such as emergency services, doctors and hospital staff.
    Lay defibrillators are designed for use by people without medical training and do not require any special medical knowledge.

  2. Function: Automated defibrillators automatically analyze the patient's heart rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electric shock to restore the heart to a normal rhythm.
    Manual defibrillators also automatically analyze the patient's heart rhythm. Any electric shock that may be required is triggered manually and when requested by the defibrillator by pressing the shock button.

  3. Types: Implantable defibrillators are surgically implanted under the patient's skin and continuously monitor the heart rhythm and automatically deliver an electric shock when needed.
    External defibrillators are used outside the body, are portable, automatically analyze the heart rhythm and decide whether an electric shock is necessary.

  4. Functionality: Defibrillators for laypersons offer basic defibrillation functions and are indispensable in emergency situations until the emergency services or emergency doctor arrive. If the required electric shock is not delivered within a maximum of 5 minutes, the affected person will die.
    Professional defibrillators offer advanced features such as heart rhythm monitoring, ECG recording and possibly additional therapy options.

The defibrillators we offer are specially designed for laypersons and are a life-saving addition to first aid equipment.


We only offer automated, external defibrillators with either automatic or manual shock release!

4

HOW DOES AN AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) WORK?

A layperson AED is designed to be easy to use and does not require any medical training.

  1. Switching on: The defibrillator is switched on by pressing the on/off switch or as soon as the lid of the device is opened.
  2. Follow instructions: The defibrillator provides clear visual and/or verbal instructions that guide the user step by step through the entire process. These instructions can also be represented by pictograms to improve comprehensibility.
  3. Prepare the patient: The defibrillator is used by applying adhesive electrodes (illustrated) to the patient's bare chest. In addition, the device provides instructions on how to properly place the electrodes.
  4. Heart rhythm analysis: After the electrodes are attached, the AED automatically analyzes the patient's heart rhythm. This analysis only takes a few seconds.
    Is there a shockable arrhythmia?: Based on the analysis, the AED decides whether an electric shock is needed to correct the heart rhythm. If so, the device prompts the user to press the shock button. If a fully automatic AED is used, the shock is delivered automatically.
  5. Delivering the shock: After the user presses the shock button, the AED automatically delivers a controlled electric shock to return the heart to a normal rhythm. Before the shock, the AED gives clear instructions that no one should touch the patient.
  6. Further instructions: After the shock is delivered, the AED continues to monitor the patient's heart rhythm and provides further instructions on how to perform chest compressions.
5

WHEN IS A DEFIBRILLATOR USED?

A defibrillator is used when a person is unconscious and has no signs of life.

Sudden cardiac arrest is usually the result of a fatal cardiac arrhythmia. The purpose of a defibrillator is to restore the heart to a normal rhythm by delivering a controlled electric shock.

Typically, a defibrillator is used in ventricular fibrillation:

This is the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest, a life-threatening condition in which the heart suddenly begins to fibrillate in an uncoordinated manner. In such cases, a defibrillator can be used to deliver an electric shock and bring the heart back to a normal rhythm.

6

WHAT CAN CAUSE SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH?

Sudden cardiac death occurs when the heart stops pumping and stops ejecting blood (cardiac arrest). This can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

  1. Heart disease: The most common causes of sudden cardiac death are heart diseases such as coronary heart disease (narrowing of the coronary arteries), heart attack (blockage of a coronary artery), heart failure (weak pumping function of the heart) and heart valve disease.
  2. Cardiac arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythm disorders such as ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation can lead to sudden cardiac death if left untreated.
  3. Congenital heart defects: Certain congenital heart defects can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death, especially if they are not detected and treated early.
  4. Electrolyte imbalances: Imbalances of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium or calcium in the blood can disrupt the electrical activity of the heart and lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.
  5. Drug abuse: The use of certain drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and certain prescription medications can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death by putting strain on the heart and causing arrhythmias.
  6. Electrical shocks or injuries: Severe electrical shocks, such as those caused by lightning strikes, or traumatic injuries to the chest, can cause cardiac arrhythmias and lead to sudden cardiac death.

    It is important to note that many cases of sudden cardiac death can be prevented by controlling risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and high blood pressure. Early detection and treatment of heart disease and regular medical check-ups can also help reduce the risk.
7

WHAT CAN CAUSE VENTILATED FIBRILLATION?

Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder in which the heart's chambers twitch rapidly and in an uncoordinated manner instead of beating in sync. This means that the heart no longer has an effective pumping function and blood is not circulating throughout the body. Ventricular fibrillation is equivalent to sudden cardiac arrest and leads to circulatory arrest. There are several causes of ventricular fibrillation, including:

  1. Heart disease: The most common cause of ventricular fibrillation is underlying heart disease such as coronary artery disease (narrowing of the coronary arteries), heart attack (blockage of a coronary artery), heart failure (weak pumping function of the heart) and congenital heart defects.
  2. Electrolyte imbalances: Imbalances of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium or calcium in the blood can disrupt the electrical activity of the heart and lead to ventricular fibrillation.
  3. Cardiac arrhythmias: Ventricular tachycardia and other cardiac arrhythmias can progress to ventricular fibrillation, especially if not treated in time.
  4. Cardiac injuries: Traumatic injuries to the chest, such as those that occur in a car crash or other accidents, can directly affect the heart and lead to ventricular fibrillation.
  5. Drug abuse: Certain drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and certain prescription medications can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and, in extreme cases, lead to ventricular fibrillation.
  6. Electrical shocks: Strong electrical shocks, such as those caused by lightning strikes or the use of electrotherapy devices, can cause the heart to go into ventricular fibrillation.

    It is important to stress that prompt treatment is crucial to stop ventricular fibrillation. Using a defibrillator to deliver a controlled electrical shock is often the most effective way to return the heart to a normal rhythm and save the patient's life.
8

WHERE CAN I FIND DEFIBRILLATORS?

Citizens Save Lives Association is an initiative that aims to promote public education about life-saving measures and increase the availability of life-saving devices such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative encourages citizens to actively participate in the resuscitation of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest, thus helping to improve the chances of survival in emergency situations.

There are numerous app providers, but they only show regional defibrillator locations. The problem is that visitors or guests from abroad have no idea which app is the right one for the environment they are in. However, Citizens Save Lives has developed an app (CISALI) that operates globally, is manufacturer-independent and free of charge. In addition, the app offers additional functions such as

e.g. emergency numbers or the activation of first responders.

The goals of Citizens Save Lives include:

Education and training: The initiative aims to educate the public on the importance of resuscitation and the use of AEDs. This includes providing training and information on proper resuscitation procedures and the use of an AED.

  1. Availability of AEDs: Citizens Save Lives strives to increase the number of AEDs in public facilities, businesses, communities and other locations to ensure that these life-saving devices are quickly available in an emergency.
  2. Promote emergency response: The initiative encourages citizens to take life-saving measures in an emergency, including performing CPR and using an AED if someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.
  3. Networking and Collaboration: Citizens Save Lives partners with government agencies, health care institutions, nonprofit organizations, businesses and the public to create collaborative efforts to improve emergency care and survival rates in emergency situations.

By promoting knowledge, training and availability of life-saving measures, Citizens Save Lives helps ensure that citizens are better prepared to act quickly and effectively in an emergency and save lives. The initiative plays an important role in creating a crisis-resilient and life-saving society.

9

ARE HEARTSINE DEFIBRILLATORS FOR LAYMEN?

HeartSine defibrillators have several features that make them a preferred choice for life-saving defibrillation in emergency situations. Here are some of the outstanding features that make HeartSine defibrillators stand out:

  1. Compact and robust design: HeartSine defibrillators are known for their compact design, which makes them easily portable and easy to transport. Their robust design ensures that they can function reliably even in demanding conditions.
  2. Ease of use: HeartSine Samaritan PAD devices are known for their ease of use and intuitive operation. They are equipped with clear visual and voice instructions that guide the user through the entire process of defibrillation. This makes them easy to use even for inexperienced users.
  3. Automatic functionality: HeartSine defibrillators are automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that are able to automatically analyze a patient's heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock when needed. This allows even people without medical training to take life-saving measures.
  4. Long-lasting batteries and electrodes: HeartSine PAD defibrillators are equipped with long-lasting batteries and electrodes that ensure long-term reliability and readiness. This is critical to ensure the device is ready for use in an emergency.
  5. Integrated data recording: All HeartSine defibrillators have data recording features that allow information about the use of the device to be stored. This data can later be used to review and analyze the performance of the device.
  6. Reliability and effectiveness: HeartSine defibrillators provide a reliable and effective solution for life-saving defibrillation in emergency situations. They are designed to improve the chances of survival for people with sudden cardiac arrest and make life-saving measures more accessible.

    Overall, HeartSine defibrillators are characterized by their high quality, ease of use and reliability, making them a preferred choice for use in a wide range of environments, including public institutions, companies, healthcare facilities and communities. The low purchase price and extremely low follow-up costs are further arguments in favor of these defibrillators.

    More information about HeartSine defibrillators
10

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT HEARTSAVE PRIMEDIC DEFIBRILLATORS?

The new generation of first aid defibrillators from Primedic Germany was specially developed and optimized for a broad population group with different levels of user knowledge. Children (> 1 year) and adults can be saved effectively and efficiently from sudden cardiac death. The very simple, safe and intuitive operation guarantees that even untrained first aiders are able to save lives.

Any electric shock required is triggered by pressing the shock button on the HeartSave Y and automatically on the HeartSave YA.

  1. For laypeople and professionals: HeartSave defibrillators were developed for different requirements for medical laypeople and emergency services in Germany. The self-explanatory user interface adapts to the respective user knowledge.
  2. Automatic functionality: HeartSave Y and YA defibrillators are automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that are able to automatically analyze a patient's heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock if necessary.
  3. Long-lasting batteries and electrodes: The battery and electrodes are guaranteed to last for 4 years. The electrodes are pre-connected.
  4. Escalating shock delivery: The continuous adjustment of the shock energy is also suitable for professional applications up to 360 joules.
  5. Volume adjustment and language variety: HeartSave Y and YA defibrillators have up to four selectable languages ​​(different language modules), which can also be selected during use. The volume of the voice announcements automatically adapts to the environment.

    HeartSave Y and YA devices/AEDs are user-friendly, can be used on children and adults and are suitable for both laypersons and professional users. Affordable purchase price and low follow-up costs.

    More information about HeartSave defibrillators