How Much Does an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Cost?

1. Why is the AED called "a life-saving device in everyone's hands"?

1.1. Easy to Use – No Specialized Medical Knowledge Needed

Unlike most complex medical devices, AEDs are designed with the philosophy that "anyone can use them." Manufacturers have invested thousands of research hours to simplify the interface and operation process. Users don't need to know how to read an ECG, understand cardiovascular physiology, or calculate shock dosages—the machine handles it all.

Studies show that children as young as 10 can learn to use an AED with just 15–20 minutes of instruction. Even untrained individuals can use it successfully thanks to voice guidance, although success rates are higher with training.

1.2. Significantly Increases Survival Rates

Global health statistics show impressive figures regarding AED effectiveness:

• Without AED: Survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is only 5–10%.
• With AED used within 3–5 minutes: Survival rate increases to 50–70%.
• With AED used within 1 minute: Survival rate can reach 90%.

In Japan, which has the highest AED density in the world (1 unit per 100 people), the survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest rose from 12% (2005) to 46% (2020). In the U.S., over 10,000 lives are saved annually thanks to public access AEDs.

1.3. Widespread and Accessible

Today, AEDs are present in most public spaces in developed countries:

• Airports, train stations, bus terminals

• Shopping malls, supermarkets

• Hotels, resorts

• Stadiums, gyms

• Schools, universities

• Office buildings, industrial zones

• Airplanes, trains, ambulances

AED cabinets are usually placed in visible locations with clear international signage (a green heart with a lightning bolt symbol). Some countries even have mobile apps to help citizens locate the nearest AED within a 500m radius.

1.4. Legal Protection for Users

Many people worry about legal liability when using an AED. However, most countries have "Good Samaritan Laws" to protect well-intentioned rescuers. In Vietnam, Article 65 of the 2015 Civil Code states: "A person who causes damage while saving another person in a life-threatening situation is not liable for compensation."

This means you are legally protected when using an AED to provide aid, provided you act in good faith and follow the device's instructions. In reality, there has never been a successful lawsuit against an AED user for attempting to save a life.

1.5. Creating a "Chain of Survival" in the Community

The American Heart Association defines the "Chain of Survival" with 5 links:

1. Early recognition and call for help

2. Immediate CPR

3. Early AED use

4. Advanced resuscitation by medical personnel

5. Post-cardiac arrest care

The AED is the 3rd link—the most crucial one as it determines survival within the "golden 10 minutes." When every citizen knows how to use an AED, the entire community becomes a vast emergency network, reducing reliance on ambulance wait times.

1.6. Raising Public Health Awareness

The presence of AEDs in workplaces and schools provides not only a life-saving tool but also a silent reminder of the importance of heart health. Many organizations conduct periodic AED training, indirectly improving knowledge about cardiovascular disease prevention, warning signs, and healthy living.

For these reasons, the AED truly deserves the title "a life-saving device in everyone's hands"—a rare medical invention that is both highly effective and accessible, turning every citizen into a potential "emergency physician."

 

2.Differences Between AEDs and Manual Defibrillators in Hospitals

Although both treat heart rhythm disorders, AEDs and manual defibrillators used in hospitals have distinct differences.

2.1. Target Users

AED: Designed simply so anyone can use it, not just medical staff. Basic proficiency requires only a few hours of training.

Manual Defibrillator: Intended only for doctors, nurses, and cardiology-trained personnel, as it requires in-depth knowledge of ECG reading and patient assessment.

2.2. Operating Mode

AED: Fully automatic or semi-automatic. The machine analyzes and decides if a shock is needed; the user only presses a button.

Manual Defibrillator: Doctors must read the ECG, decide on the shock, select the appropriate energy level (50–360 joules), and perform synchronized or asynchronous shocks depending on the situation.

2.3. Monitoring Function

AED: Treats only 2 types of arrhythmias: ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Manual Defibrillator: Treats various arrhythmias: ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and other complex rhythm disorders.

2.4. Treatment Capability

AED: Treats only 2 types of arrhythmias: ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Manual Defibrillator: Treats various arrhythmias: ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and other complex rhythm disorders.

2.5. Portability

AED: Compact (2–3 kg), designed for wall mounting or storage in emergency cabinets, with durable shock-resistant cases.

Manual Defibrillator: Heavier (10–20 kg), typically placed on medical carts or ambulances. Equipped with wheels for hospital transport.

2.6. Cost

AED: 30–80 million VND depending on brand and features.

Manual Defibrillator: 150–500 million VND, depending on configuration and monitoring functions.

3. Uses of AEDs in Daily Life

3.1. Saving Lives in Cardiac Emergencies

AEDs play a pivotal role in saving victims of sudden cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation. The device can restore normal heart rhythm, increasing survival rates to 70% if used within the first 3–5 minutes.

3.2. Easy for Everyone to Use

A standout advantage is user-friendliness. The machine provides detailed step-by-step voice guidance, allowing non-medical users to operate it. Furthermore, it automatically analyzes heart rhythm and decides on shock delivery, removing the burden of judgment from the user and ensuring absolute safety during rescue.

3.3. Widespread Community Application

AEDs have become essential equipment in many public places like airports, malls, train stations, and crowded areas. Educational institutions, businesses (offices, factories, hotels), and sports facilities (stadiums, gyms)—where stroke risk is high—are increasingly installing them. Residential areas and families are also prioritizing AEDs for health protection.

3.4. Reducing Burden on Healthcare System

Timely AED use not only saves lives but significantly reduces the load on the medical system. Immediate support before ambulances arrive minimizes brain damage and severe complications from prolonged oxygen deprivation. This shortens treatment and recovery time, bringing economic benefits to both patients and society.

3.5. Creating a Safe Environment

The presence of AEDs in public and workplaces fosters a safer environment. People feel more secure knowing emergency equipment is ready. This meets workplace safety requirements while promoting health awareness and a spirit of mutual support in the community.