Automatic vs Semi-Automatic Defibrillators: Which one is right for your needs?

When a cardiac emergency strikes, having quick access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death. According to data from the British Heart Foundation, ambulance services performed resuscitation in nearly 35,000 patients after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and members of the public performed CPR in over 70% of these patients. However, a defibrillator was used in less than 10% of these cases due to lack of access.

Seconds matter in a cardiac emergency so purchasing a defibrillator for your business or community could be crucial when it comes to saving someone’s life. But it’s important to make sure you choose the right defibrillator for your needs. One of the most common questions we’re asked is: What’s the difference between automatic and semi-automatic defibrillators and which one is best for me?

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, benefits and ideal use cases for automatic and semi-automatic defibrillators so you can make an informed decision.

What is a defibrillator?

A defibrillator, or AED (Automated External Defibrillator), is a life-saving piece of equipment designed to deliver a shock to the heart of a patient experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). This shock can help to restore a normal rhythm in a heart that has stopped beating effectively.

Modern defibrillators are designed to be used by anyone, regardless of whether they are medically trained, making them essential for public places, businesses, schools and even homes. Defibrillators are often used by those first on the scene to keep the patient alive until the emergency services arrive on the scene.

Types of defibrillators: automatic vs semi-automatic

There are two types of AED’s available:

1. Fully automatic defibrillators 

A fully automatic defibrillator analyses the patient’s heart rhythm and, if a shock is required, it delivers the shock without any user intervention.

These defibrillators usually provide voice and visual prompts to guide the user, deliver the shock automatically and are designed for use by untrained individuals.

Benefits of an automatic defibrillator: 

•          Perfect for untrained users:  Delivering the shock automatically removes the responsibility of pressing the shock button, reducing hesitation or user error.
•       Fast and simple: Automatic defibrillators can make treatment faster and reduce delays (essential in an emergency!)
•       Low-stress operation: These defibrillators are particularly helpful in high-stress environments where panic can impair decision-making.
•       Encourages wider access: These defibrillators are most suited to public places where anyone may need to intervene without any medical training.
•       Failsafe design: An automatic defibrillator will only deliver a shock if it’s medically necessary.

The biggest benefit of an automatic defibrillator is it removes the potential for hesitation during an emergency. This is a high-stress situation so ease of use is essential for untrained passersby.

As a result of these benefits, automatic defibrillators are best suited to the following locations:

•        Public access locations (shopping centres, airports, community centres)
•       Offices and workplaces with a mix of trained and untrained staff
•     Care homes
•     Schools and universities

2. Semi-automatic defibrillators 

Semi-automatic defibrillators are similar to automatic defibrillators in that they will analyse the patient’s heart rhythm but it will prompt the user to press the shock button when a shock is advised.

These defibrillators require the user to manually press the shock button to deliver treatment but will still provide the same voice coaching and visual prompts as an automatic defibrillator.

Benefits of a semi-automatic defibrillator:

• Greater user control: Semi-automatic defibrillators allow trained users to deliver a shock when they’re confident the surrounding area is clear and safe.
• Reduces accidental shock risk: These defibrillators are suitable for controlled environments where trained personnel are present.
• Professional preference: Many emergency services and first aid team prefer semi-automatic AEDs due to the added control they provide.
• Widely used in workplace settings: Semi-automatic defibrillators provide a balance between automation and manual control

Semi-automatic defibrillators are best suited for the following applications:

•       Workplace with trained first aiders
•     Schools with staff trained in CPR and defibrillator use
•     Community first responder groups
•     Medical or dental clinics

How to choose the right defibrillator for your needs

Choosing between an automatic and semi-automatic defibrillator will depend on several key factors. Consider the answers to the following questions to help decide between the two types of defibrillator:

·      Will the device be used by trained or untrained individuals?

•      Is the AED for public access, a workplace or private use?
•     Will there usually be a trained person present who understand how to use a defibrillator?
•     What is your budget? Both types are competitively prices but models with advanced CPR feedback or connectivity may vary in cost. 

Quick Summary: What's the difference between automatic and semi-automatic AEDs?

Still not sure which type of defibrillator is right for you? We’re here to help 

Both automatic and semi-automatic defibrillators are as effective as each other when it comes to saving a life but each has a slightly different use case.

At Defib4Life, we understand that choosing the right AED can be confusing but it doesn’t have to be! Our friendly team is here to provide expert guidance and ensure you purchase the right device for your needs and budget.

Whether you’re looking for an automatic defibrillator for a public setting or a semi-automatic defibrillator for a setting with a trained team, we have a wide range of trusted options from leading brands such as Zoll, Stryker, Vivest and Cardiac Science.

Please contact our expert customer service team today if you need help choosing the right defibrillator for your needs. Or take a look at our full range of defibrillators here.