Video | Selecting an Automated External Defibrillator: What You Need to Know

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) gained popularity in the 1990's and are now common in many places. Manufacturers have continued to add features to improve the technology, but recent FDA requirements may impact the use of some models.

In this webcast, our expert panelists will discuss the importance and various types of AEDs, which are often the first tool used in a life-or-death situation, as well as the implications of new FDA requirements for these devices.

Learning objectives

Join us to learn more about: 

• The impact of AEDs during cardiac arrest events
• Understanding the differences between AED types
• How new FDA requirements may affect you in 2022
• Considerations for AEDs located in public places
• ECRI’s recent evaluation findings

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Andrew Furman, MD, MMM, FACEP

Executive Director, Clinical Excellence, Technology Assessment, ECRI
Andrew Furman is an emergency medicine physician who has worked in clinical and leadership roles in Pennsylvania and Oregon. He worked as a quality and communications consultant within the Geisinger Health System, acting as a liaison between the closed model of care delivery at Geisinger and the more open models of care delivery in newly acquired hospitals and health systems. At Salem Health, in Salem, Oregon, he served as Vice President of Medical Affairs. After completing a Master of Medical Management degree at University of Southern California Marshall School Business, he joined Accolade in Plymouth Meeting. While at Accolade, Dr. Furman supported the organization’s mission to equip employees of self-insured companies with people, tools, and technology that empowered them to better navigate the complicated healthcare environment.

Jason Launders

Director of Operations, Device Evaluation, ECRI
Jason Launders has been at ECRI since 1998 and is currently the Director of Operations for the Device Evaluation group. Jason’s primary responsibility is managing ECRI’s laboratory based evaluations of medical technologies. Jason has an MSc in Medical Physics and spent his earlier time at ECRI evaluating a wide range of diagnostic imaging technology, such as: CT, MRI, PACS, and Digital Radiography. Today, he is responsible for developing the content of evaluations to ensure they meet the needs of our members.

Barbara Malanga, BSEE

Investigator & Program Manager, Accident and Forensic Investigation, ECRI
Barbara Malanga is a biomedical engineer with ten years’ experience evaluating and investigating non-invasive cardiology equipment design and use, followed by 15 years consulting for the defibrillator industry. She currently serves as Program Manager for ECRI’s Accident and Forensic Investigation Services, and as an Investigator, applies her technical knowledge to the investigation of incidents with medical devices in the hospital setting. She has also be instrumental in the development of educational material related to Incident Management and Investigation.

Mairead Smith, BS

Senior Project Engineer, Device Evaluations, ECRI
Mairead Smith is a Senior Project Engineer with ECRI's Device Evaluation group. Since joining ECRI in 2013, she has evaluated laparoscopic and flexible endoscopic video systems, ultraviolet disinfection devices, and various cardiac devices. Notable evaluations include real-time CPR feedback devices and AEDs for medical professionals. As part of this testing, Mairead has worked closely with major device manufacturers and clinical experts. She has also facilitated testing with local EMTs and paramedics to assess the ease-of-use of AED models. Prior to her work at ECRI, Mairead studied mechanical engineering at Bucknell University.

Becki Werner, NRP

Chief of Operations, Whitemarsh Community Ambulance Association
Rebecca Werner is currently the Chief of Operation of Whitemarsh Community Ambulance Association (WCAA). Rebecca started with WCAA as an EMT in 2009 quickly becoming a Paramedic and rose through the ranks to her current position. Rebecca is an AHA CPR instructor as well as a Paramedic instructor with a passion for teaching.