Aed Cost: Prices With & Without Insurance

An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is a portable device that analyzes a person's heart rhythm and can deliver a shock when one is needed. Workplaces, schools, gyms, churches and some homes buy them so that help is on hand before emergency responders arrive. The device itself is a one-time purchase, but the total cost of owning one also includes electrode pads, batteries and the cabinet or signage that goes with it.

Prices below come from retailers and buying guides. They are meant for budgeting. Questions about which AED suits your setting belong with the manufacturer, your local emergency medical services office or a certified instructor.

The two sources above give overlapping but different ranges. Differences come from which models each source covers, whether the price is the list price or a current retail price, and what is bundled with the device, such as a carrying case, a battery or a set of pads. Some retailers also offer package pricing with a wall cabinet or training materials.

When you compare quotes, confirm that you are looking at the same thing each time: the model, the included accessories and the warranty length.

Retailers list prices model by model. Two retailers publish the following figures.

Some models appear at both retailers, with small price differences. The HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P, the ZOLL AED 3 and the Philips HeartStart FRx all show up in both lists, and the prices are close but not the same. Retail prices change, so check the seller's site on the day you buy.

Models differ in size, in the type of battery, in whether they speak instructions aloud, in whether they offer features such as real-time guidance for rescuers, and in the warranty. Compare the manufacturer's specifications against how and where the AED will be used.

The purchase price is not the whole story. An AED needs electrode pads and a battery that are replaced on a schedule or after use.

CPR1 lists replacement electrode pads at the range above, per set. Pads have an expiration date, and they are single use, so you will replace them after the device is used or when they expire. Batteries also have a life span that varies by model. Check the device manual for the replacement schedule and ask the seller what a replacement battery costs before you buy.

Other costs to plan for:

• Wall cabinet or case: many buyers mount the AED in a visible cabinet. Some cabinets include an alarm.
• Signage: signs help people find the device quickly.
• Training: a CPR and AED course teaches staff or family members how to respond. Prices vary by provider.
• Accessories: pediatric pads, spare batteries and carry cases are sold separately for some models.
• Program management: some businesses use a service that tracks pad and battery expiration dates and handles registration.

• Brand and model: prices span a wide range across manufacturers.
• Fully automatic or semi-automatic: fully automatic models deliver the shock without the rescuer pressing a button, while semi-automatic models prompt the rescuer to do so. The two types are typically priced differently.
• Included accessories: bundles that add a case, a cabinet or extra pads cost more than the device alone.
• Warranty length: longer warranties may be reflected in the price.
• Buying in volume: organizations that buy several units may be offered a lower price per unit. Ask the seller.
• New or refurbished: refurbished devices may be sold at a lower price. Ask about warranty and the condition of the battery and pads.

Rules about buying and placing an AED differ by state. Many states have laws on registration, medical oversight, maintenance or liability for owners. Contact your state health department or the seller to learn what applies to you before purchase. If your workplace is buying an AED, ask your safety officer or legal adviser about local requirements.

AEDs are sold by the manufacturers, by authorized dealers and by online safety retailers. Buy from a seller that is authorized to sell the brand, since that supports the warranty and the supply of pads and batteries. Ask the seller about delivery time, return policy and what support is available if the device shows an alert.

• What is included in the price: case, battery, pads, cabinet?
• How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
• What do replacement pads and batteries cost, and how often do they need to be replaced?
• Does the seller offer training or help with registration?
• Is there a pediatric option for the model I am considering?
• What does the manufacturer recommend for maintenance checks?