More than 350,000 people suffered from sudden cardiac arrest in 2020, and the majority of these attacks happen outside a hospital or medical facility[1]. Hence, having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a must for every workplace, public establishment, and even home.
AEDs are portable defibrillators that are easy enough for laypersons to use. While the progress is slow, more and more companies are seeing the importance of having an AED equipment in the building, and soon enough, you'll see an AED wall mount bracket in almost every building you visit.
Tip #1: AED wall mount brackets play an important role in saving lives
So what is a wall mount bracket, and what is its role in the life-saving process? Simply put, AED wall brackets help with visibility. Let's take fire extinguishers as an example. In every building, you'll see a wall mount bracket or glass case with a fire extinguisher inside. You'll see instructions on what to do and how to use the fire extinguisher during an actual emergency.
Now, if these extinguishers were not mounted on the wall, they are less visible. If there's a fire on the premises, people may waste a lot of time simply looking for the fire extinguisher if it is not in a highly visible location. Now, the same is true for AED equipment. These devices are so vital when it comes to saving people who have collapsed due to sudden cardiac arrest that time should not be wasted in simply locating them. You see, when a person collapses due to SCA, they are unable to breathe properly, and oxygen flow to the brain is halted. Every second that passes, the longer the brain is deprived of oxygen. Severe oxygen deprivation can lead to brain injury, brain damage, and even death.
In cases of sudden cardiac arrest, every second count. This is why it is essential to put up AED wall mount brackets at strategic locations in the building. By strategic location, it means places where sudden cardiac arrest is most likely to happen or places where people usually congregate. AED devices usually have bright colors that can be spotted easily in the distance. If you combine the device's highly visible color with a wall mount bracket, the device will be easy to spot during emergencies. Purchase AED from Mindray and you will realize that their AED boxes are bright red and green, which makes them highly visible from the complicated things.
Tip #2: There are several AED wall mount bracket classifications
There are different type of AED wall mounts, but there is no single best AED wall mount setup out there - it all depends on your needs and preferences.
Metal and Plastic Wall Mount Brackets
Wall Mount Brackets can either be made from plastic or metal, and both materials have their advantages and disadvantages.
Plastic AED wall mount brackets are more affordable compared to metal ones. Because plastic is very flexible, plastic wall mounts can come in a variety of creative designs and colors. On the other hand, plastic is very lightweight, and if your AED machine is on the heavy side, a plastic wall mount bracket may not fully support it. It is also easier to cut through plastic, so it is vulnerable to tampering.
Metal wall mount brackets are more expensive, but it is more durable and resistant to temperature changes. Metal may be less vulnerable to distortion, but if exposed to the elements, metal can corrode and rust easily.
Single Shelf and Box Type Wall Mount Brackets
As the name suggests, a single shelf wall mount bracket looks like a shelf piece that is mounted to the wall. The AED rests securely on the shelf piece without any casing or cover. Because the AED equipment is exposed, it is easier for people to just simply take the device from the bracket while in a rush. However, because there is no cover, the device is exposed to the elements and tampering.
The box or cabinet type wall mount bracket is a box or cabinet that is mounted on the wall, and the AED is stored safely inside the box or cabinet. Some box-type wall mount brackets even come with an alarm that activates as soon as the lid is opened. This AED box gives the machine more protection, although it does require more effort and time to take the device out of the box.
Tip #3: There is a proper way of installing an AED Wall Mount Bracket
Once you have chosen your desired wall mount bracket material and design, here is how to properly install one for maximum efficiency:
When choosing a location to place your wall mounted defibrillator, remember to choose a location that is open, visible, and accessible. Avoid mounting your AED device inside the office as offices are usually closed after hours and on weekends. Hallways are a generally good idea - choose a hallway that is centrally located or close to locations where SCAs are more likely to happen. Hallways near the employee lounge, restrooms, and cafeteria are good locations.
The best height for installing your AED wall mount bracket is around 4 feet. This height is perfect since it is not too high that people are forced to reach for the AED equipment, and not too low that people need to bend over or squat just to get the AED.
You will need professional tools when installing your wall mount bracket. You will need a drill, level, safety glasses, tape measure, screws, anchors, and a lot more. If you feel like you’re not qualified to install the wall mount on your own, or if you don’t have the tools required, hire a professional to install it for you.
Install your wall mount bracket away from thermostats and light switches to avoid accidentally drilling into electric wiring.
If you are installing brackets on your own, make sure to double-check all your measurements before you drill holes on the wall. Measurements will differ according to the bracket you purchased. Look at the bracket and measure where the holes are, and mirror these measurements on the wall. Use a marker to identify where you will drill holes into the wall. Once all holes are marked, place your bracket against the wall to see if the drill hole marks line up.
Secure the AED wall mount bracket against the wall using screws. If you are installing the bracket without the help of a professional, have someone else hold up the bracket while you’re putting the screws in to ensure that the bracket is secure and level.
Test the AED wall bracket to see if it is secured tightly. If you are using a box-type wall mount, it is also a good idea to test the locks and the alarm system.
Tip #4: What to look out for when purchasing an AED wall mount bracket
What things should you consider when purchasing a wall mount bracket for your AED? There is no doubt that the best AED should configure with complete mounting solutions. First, you should get something compatible with your AED machine. Check your device for its dimensions and choose a bracket that would house your device properly and securely. This is especially true for box-type wall mounts. If your AED is on the larger size, make sure to get a wall mount that can fit.
On that note, most of the AED brands usually come out with wall mount brackets of their own. For example, Mindray AEDs are company with its mounting solutions of single shelf and box type wall brackets. If you already own an AED, check to see if they also have an AED wall mount bracket for sale. This will ensure that your wall mount bracket is compatible with your device.
Should you get a box-type wall mount or a single shelf one? That all depends on your location. A school might benefit more from a box-type wall-mount because it offers more protection against students who might want to tamper with the machine. Single-shelf wall mounts are better for areas with less foot traffic. It is also better for facilities that are more spread out since grabbing an AED from a single shelf wall mount bracket is easier and will save more time.
Conclusion
While buying AED devices is an important first step in the quest to make workplaces and public buildings safer against SCA, successful and efficient implementation of your AED program depends largely on the visibility and location of your device. By purchasing and installing your AED wall bracket in centrally located, accessible, and highly visible places, you are allowing responders to access the device and respond to the victim’s needs within the golden time.
Mindray is one of the leading AED companies worldwide in the medical technology and solutions field. Aside from AEDs, we also manufactures AED accessories and AED wall mount brackets that facilitate swift access to AED devices and prompt response to sudden cardiac arrest cases.
References
[1] About Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Available at: https://www.sca-aware.org/about-sudden-cardiac-arrest/latest-statistics (Accessed: 19 April 2021)