frequently asked questions

An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a device that analyzes and looks for shockable heart rhythms, advises the rescuer of the need for defibrillation, and delivers a shock if needed. The AED will walk you through every step of the process with audio prompts, ensuring directions are obvious for the rescuer.
When used on people who are unresponsive and not breathing, the Food and Drug Administration has found all AEDs available in the U.S. market to be safe and effective. Therefore, the probability of harming an unresponsive victim who is not breathing is significantly outweighed by the likelihood of saving such a victim.
The steps for shocking a SCA victim are simple and straightforward. The ZOLL® AED Plus® provides visual, and audio prompts to guide you through the entire resuscitation process.
In the US, it’s not possible to prevent being sued. However, most states have passed “Good Samaritan” legislation protecting the lay rescuer from lawsuits.
Yes, just like other electronic devices such as laptops, AEDs do expire. Depending on the brand and model, there are different warranty lengths, check your AED model for specifics. On average most AED warranties are around seven years, but AEDs should not be kept longer than ten years. After this time frame, they are no longer reliable for your emergency needs. When someone’s life is on the line, you want to ensure your device is ready to go.
Just like cars, there are several different makes and models of AEDs. There is a variety of options that allow businesses and families to choose what works best for them. Every brand and model of AED has different features and price points, allowing consumers options. Different AEDs also have differing accessories such as pads and batteries, with differing features and expiration lengths. Unsure what brand of AED is best for your home or business? Contact Rescue Site Services and get help choosing your AED from one of our trained specialists.
The best chance of survival from cardiac arrest happens when CPR and AED use occurs as quickly as possible. For every minute without CPR or AED use, the chances of survival drop 7-10%. Average EMS arrival times range from 7-14 minutes, depending on how remote your location. So, after 7 minutes, the victim’s chance of survival has dropped 49-70%. This is not even because, after 4 minutes, the victim begins to suffer irreversible brain damage. So even if you’re only a few minutes from a firehouse, and even if they’re available to take your call immediately, the time spent contacting them, then waiting for them to arrive is wasting valuable minutes and seconds that could have been used saving a life.
Cardiac arrest can strike at any age for an immense number of reasons. Some commonly missed causes are drowning, choking, electrical shock, unknown heart problems (not affected my health), and genetic heart problems. While you never expect to person CPR on your healthy child or spouse, at Rescue Site, we always prefer to be prepared for the unexpected when it concerns your loved ones. Also, while your direct family may never suffer from cardiac arrest, there are often other family members or friends, perhaps older or not as healthy, that are spending considerable amounts of time in your home. We would always rather you have an AED 10 years too soon than 10 minutes too late.
In the US, it’s not possible to prevent being sued. However, most states have passed “Good Samaritan” legislation protecting the lay rescuer from lawsuits. Breaking ribs is necessary to provide efficient chest compressions. It is always better to revive someone with an injury that can heal, then for them not to be revived at all.
The American Heart Association (AHA) does not mandate a minimum age requirement for learning CPR. The ability to perform CPR is based more on body strength than age. Studies have shown that children as young as nine years old can learn and retain CPR skills.

Our Heartsaver Courses are for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory, or other requirements. While these courses are designed to meet OSHA requirements, OSHA does not review or approve any courses for compliance.

Yes, classes can be structured so that students complete part of the course in a self-directed manner online, followed by a hands-on skills session in person on a previously selected date.

Yes, a Rescue Site instructor will be sent to your preferred location at the date and time agreed upon. Our focus is to make the training process as simple and easy as possible.

Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. Hands-Only CPR should be done when no face shield is available. Hands-Only CPR is also recommended for bystanders who have not been trained on how to give proper breaths.

It consists of two easy steps:

1. Call 9-1-1 (or send someone to do that).

2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 pushes per minute.