Over the years, NH businesses have bought Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at discounted rates through NH’s “Direct Purchase” program, administered by the State of New Hampshire Department of Safety. Through this program, businesses can purchase AED units for as low as $849!

Three different units are currently available through the program:

The DEFIBTECH “Lifeline” portable/mobile unit for $849 or a fixed location for $917. These are provided by Lifesavers, Inc. of Fairfield, New Jersey

The PHILLIPS “HeartStart OnSite” portable/mobile unit for $898.79 or a fixed location for $1043.79. These are provided by Rescue One Training for life, Inc. of Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The ZOLL “AED Plus” portable/mobile unit for $1070.00 or a fixed location for $1215.00. These are also provided by Rescue One Training for life, Inc. of Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The portable/mobile units come with the AED, battery, one set of adult defibrillation pads, carrying case, CPR equipment kit, AED instructions, and a minimum of a 5-year warranty. The fixed location units come with all the above and an AED wall cabinet, AED wall sign, and 2 AED door decals.

Statistics show that if an AED is administered within the first six minutes of cardiac arrest, victims have roughly a 70% chance of survival as opposed to those receiving CPR alone, who have only about a 10% chance to live. Current NH AED laws provide both individual & organization liability protection for ownership & use of an AED in an emergency scenario.

If you are considering purchasing one of these devices, you should have at least one employee trained in basic CPR and AED usage. This can be scheduled through NHADA for only $25 per person. NHADA currently has two certified CPR instructors, including myself. You will also have to register your unit with N.H. Fire & EMS Academy for the purpose of being added to the 911 database.