When Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs, it is vital to both the victim and the rescuer that the nearest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is present and in good working order. However, very often it is only in the minutes following the collapse that anyone actually knows if the nearest AED will function correctly.

All too often, an AED is purchased, installed in a suitable location and then forgotten about until it is required in an emergency. If the AED has failed a ‘self-test’ or even been moved from its usual location in the days beforehand, the rescuer doesn’t realise until it’s too late.

The Solution Recent advances in technology mean that AEDs can now be connected to the internet which enables automatic monitoring of the device, 24 hours a day. This substantially reduces the risk of the defibrillator not working as required during an emergency. If buying a new defibrillator, consider the Lifepak CR2 which connects to the internet via WIFI or 3G.

The CR2 will send automatic notifications when:

• The battery or pads require attention
• The Lifepak fails a self-test
• The Lifepak is switched on
• The Lifepak is moved

If you already have a defibrillator and would like to connect it to the internet, there are other options. Three new products, supplied exclusively by HeartSafety Solutions in Ireland use the Sigfox wireless network to connect your existing AED to the internet. Notifications are automatically sent via AviaNet monitoring software when:

• Battery or pads require attention
• The AED fails a self-test
• The AED is in low temperature
• The AED is moved (Aivia-M)
• The AED Cabinet door is opened (Aivia100W & Aivia200W)

The 3 options available are:

1. Aivia-M – Suitable for portable AEDs
2. Aivia100W – Suitable for Fixed Location AEDs that are indoors
3. Aivia200W – Suitable for fixed location AEDs that are outdoors