The Perfect AEDs for Pool Environments
When it comes to defibrillators, there’s a device out there for every environment. Be it a building site, gymnasium or office.
Many people are unaware, but keeping an AED in a pool environment is not only possible it’s absolutely necessary, however, there are certain aspects that the buyer needs to consider, prior to placing the device.
Below, we’ve shared the key aspects to consider before purchasing your defibrillator as well as a few of our picks for pool perfect AEDs.
IP Rating
A defibrillator’s IP rating is one of the most important aspects that requires consideration when choosing your device. The IP rating provides a guide which will help you determine whether the device can withstand the environmental elements that correspond with the location it’s kept in.
When it comes to ratings, there is one simple pointer that is vital to remember; the higher the rating, the more the defibrillator is protected against. For example:
IPX4: Device’s with this IP Rating are not protected against solids, but are protected against water spray from any direction.
IP56: Defibrillator’s with this IP Rating are protected against limited dust and from high-pressure water jets, regardless of their direction.
When selecting a defibrillator for a pool or leisure environment, you need to remember that the area will be exposed to water, meaning an IP Rating with high protection against water would be highly advised.
Storage
After purchasing a defibrillator, it is vital once you receive it, that you place your new unit in a visible and accessible location for swift retrieval in the event of a cardiac arrest.
There are multiple storage options that buyers can choose from; from wall brackets to wall mounts, indoor and outdoor cabinets and even backpacks!
When placing your defibrillator in any environment, it is essential that the device is placed in a central, easy to access location. This will help ensure that as many bystanders as possible are aware of the device’s presence. Swift retrieval of a defibrillator saves vital time in cardiac emergencies, meaning the definitive, life-saving treatment can be delivered as soon as possible to the casualty.
Given a pool environment is frequented by water, an easy to access storage cabinet will be sure to keep your device safe and secure. Many of these cabinets are marked with the universal symbol for defibrillator and have accompanying text. This way, people in your pool will not mistake the contents of the cabinet for anything other than a life-saving AED.
HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P
The HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P is one of our top picks for a pool environment.
Compact, easy to use and designed to be placed in public environments, the 360P is one of the smallest, but toughest life-saving devices on the market.
Equipped with an IP Rating of 56 – the highest in the industry - this AED can be comfortably placed in almost any location and will be able to withstand the risks and elements. The simplistic design of the device allows for untrained users to confidently deliver a life-saving shock to the victim of cardiac arrest.
When delivering the definitive treatment in a pool environment, it is likely that the patient will be wet. It is imperative that they are dried off before the electrode pads are attached to them for an effective and safe rescue to be delivered.
iPAD SP1
Another defibrillator that would comfortably slot into a pool environment is the CU Medical Systems, iPAD SP1. Now, we know what you’re thinking, a tablet that can deliver a life-saving shock? This iPAD comes from the opposite side of the world to the other and boasts some pretty awesome technology too.
It’s small, sleek and stylish and has an IP rating of 55. This may not be as high as the 360P’s; however, it is more than capable of withstanding the risks of a pool environment. The helpful, clear voice prompts and easy to understand diagrams help trained and non-trained users to deliver the treatment required.
Unlike the 360P which is only available in a fully automatic specification, the purchaser has the choice of a semi-automatic or a fully automatic with the SP1. A fully automatic defibrillator will deliver the shock to the patient without intervention of the user after analysing their heart rhythm, whereas a semi-automatic will rely on the user delivering the shock by pressing a button on the device.
Pool Perfect
Cardiac arrests can happen in any place at any time and to anyone. Unlike other cardiac events, cardiac arrest does not discriminate who its next victim is, regardless of age, gender, current health condition or ethnicity.
Placing a defibrillator in your local pool environment will ensure that the local swimmers are protected against SCA and can enjoy their swim, with the knowledge they’re protected.
If your local pool centre has a defibrillator, we’d love to hear about it! Also, why not Tweet us a picture of this AED @defibshop and we’ll add it to our #defibworld80 hall of fame. Learn more about defibrillators
About the Author
