Frequently Asked Questions and Answers   No. Question  Answer 1. What is an AED? An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a portable and easy-to-use device designed to analyze the heart’s cardiac rhythm and administer a dose of electricity if needed to victims suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. AEDs have been proven to increase the survival rate of victims of sudden cardiac arrest up to 90%. 2. Is an AED safe to use? Yes. They are also user-friendly. Voice prompts tell you what to do and it will not administer a shock unless the victim needs one. 3. Who manufactures AEDs? There are 4 major manufacturers: Medtronic Physio-Control, which is used by DC Fire/EMS and MPD, Cardiac Science, Phillips (formerly Laerdal), and Zoll. 4. How much do AEDs cost? AEDs cost about $2,500 to $3,500, depending on the device. 5. What certification do I need? Organizations that teach CPR/AED courses prefer not to use “certify”; they use the term “training was certified”. Page 1 of 4         1 2 3 4