Non-profits and Places of worship

A church, a mosque, a synagogue, a temple, a community hall or a non-profit organization have one thing in common: they bring together people of all ages, often at set times, sometimes in large numbers. A service, a community meal, a seniors' activity or an assembly can gather dozens of people at once.

These settings also rely heavily on volunteers. Teams change from week to week, premises are sometimes shared or rented out to other groups, and budgets are often tight.

Installing an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a non-profit organization or place of worship helps you be better prepared to respond when someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.

But the device alone is not enough. You need to choose a model that people with little experience can use, provide an accessible location, and designate someone to handle follow-up.

At Cardio Choc, the collection includes three devices: the Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1 package, the HeartSine Samaritan 360P package and the recertified ZOLL AED Plus from the Encore Series. Here is how to find your way around.

Why install a defibrillator in a non-profit organization or place of worship?

A sudden cardiac arrest can affect a person of any age, even without obvious warning signs.

When the heart stops pumping blood effectively, the person loses consciousness and stops breathing normally.

You must then call 911 immediately, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an AED as soon as one is available.

The defibrillator analyzes the heart rhythm and determines whether an electric shock is advised. With its voice prompts, it guides the rescuer throughout the emergency.

Gatherings of all ages, often with seniors

In a place of worship or a community centre, you often find older adults, families and children in the same space.

When an emergency occurs, the device needs to be on site already and the people present need to know where it is.

Having an AED also benefits employees, volunteers, passing visitors and groups that rent the hall.

Volunteer teams and shared premises

In a non-profit organization, the person who opens the door on Tuesday is not always the one who opens it on Sunday. Several groups may also use the same space at different times.

The defibrillator must therefore be easy to spot and easy to use, even for someone who has never handled one. It helps if each organization clearly displays the device's location and if the leaders of each group that uses the space are informed of it.

Which defibrillator should you choose for a non-profit organization or place of worship?

The choice depends on your budget, the number of people who use the premises, the experience of those who might respond and how you plan to handle maintenance.

For these settings, a few criteria are particularly important:

• Clear, step-by-step voice prompts.
• Can be used by volunteers with no medical training.
• Simple maintenance, with few parts to replace.
• The ability to respond to a child, if needed.
• A price suited to a limited budget, new or recertified.
• A wall cabinet and signage, if you do not have them yet.

Three models are offered in this collection. Prices and specific inclusions can be found on each product page.

Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1: a complete, guided package

The Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1 is a semi-automatic AED. It guides the user with adaptive voice prompts (Life Guidance) and provides step-by-step coaching for CPR.

A flashing green light indicates that the device is ready for use, and an audible alert signals that maintenance is required.

The package includes the device with its battery and adult pads, a white steel wall cabinet with an alarm, a double-sided adhesive sign, an AED wall sign and a rapid response kit. For a community hall or place of worship installing its first AED, it is a way to get started with the essentials in a single order.

Pediatric pads are sold separately. If children regularly attend your activities, it is worth thinking about this at the time of purchase.

The HS1 is available in English or French.

See the Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1 package for non-profit organizations and places of worship.

HeartSine Samaritan 360P: fully automatic and easy to maintain

The HeartSine Samaritan 360P is a fully automatic AED. Once the pads are in place, the device analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers the shock itself if needed, without the user having to press a button. It also detects movement to ensure safe defibrillation.

This approach can be reassuring in a setting where the people who might respond have little experience or may rarely have to use an AED.

The device is lightweight, compact and IP56 rated. Like all HeartSine defibrillators, it uses the Pad-Pak cartridge, which combines the battery and pads in a single module. There are therefore fewer consumables to manage, and only one replacement is needed every four years.

The package also includes the wall cabinet. For a small organization where follow-up relies on a few volunteers, ease of maintenance is an asset.

See the HeartSine Samaritan 360P package for non-profit organizations and places of worship.

Recertified ZOLL AED Plus, Encore Series: an affordable option

The ZOLL AED Plus Encore Series is a refurbished defibrillator. It has been thoroughly tested and inspected, then fully restored. It is an option to consider when budget is the main concern.

It comes with its battery and pads. It guides the user with audio and visual prompts, with an LCD screen and pictograms, and provides real-time CPR feedback (Real CPR Help). Pediatric pads (Pedi·padz II) are available, sold separately.

It is available in English or French, and in semi-automatic or fully automatic versions. Its ingress protection rating is IP55, and its readiness indicator is a green check mark. The device performs self-checks and a monthly full-energy test.

Its limited warranty is one year, which compares with the 8-year warranty listed on the product pages for the two new packages.

To learn more about recertified devices, see the Encore Series collection.

See the recertified ZOLL AED Plus for non-profit organizations and places of worship.

Comparison of the three defibrillators

Feature — Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1 — HeartSine Samaritan 360P — Recertified ZOLL AED Plus

• Condition — Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1: New, in a package; HeartSine Samaritan 360P: New, in a package; Recertified ZOLL AED Plus: Recertified (Encore Series)
• Mode — Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1: Semi-automatic; HeartSine Samaritan 360P: Fully automatic; Recertified ZOLL AED Plus: Semi-automatic or fully automatic
• Prompts — Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1: Voice; HeartSine Samaritan 360P: Voice; Recertified ZOLL AED Plus: Audio and visual (LCD screen)
• Pediatric pads — Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1: Sold separately; HeartSine Samaritan 360P: See the product page; Recertified ZOLL AED Plus: Sold separately
• Battery and pads — Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1: Battery and adult pads included; HeartSine Samaritan 360P: Pad-Pak cartridge (battery and pads); Recertified ZOLL AED Plus: Battery and pads included
• Wall cabinet — Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1: Included, with alarm; HeartSine Samaritan 360P: Included; Recertified ZOLL AED Plus: Not mentioned on the product page
• Protection — Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1: IP21; HeartSine Samaritan 360P: IP56; Recertified ZOLL AED Plus: IP55
• Language — Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1: English or French; HeartSine Samaritan 360P: See the product page; Recertified ZOLL AED Plus: English or French
• Warranty — Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1: 8 years; HeartSine Samaritan 360P: 8 years; Recertified ZOLL AED Plus: Limited, 1 year

All three devices can suit a non-profit organization or place of worship. The choice depends mainly on budget, the type of people who would respond and how you want to handle maintenance. For specific details, always refer to the product page for each item.

Which AED should you choose for each type of venue?

Churches, mosques, synagogues and temples

In a place of worship, gatherings are regular and often large. The people present are frequently older, and the main hall can be big.

The AED should be installed in a spot known to the leaders of services, ushers and volunteers, with visible signage. A fully automatic device like the HeartSine 360P can be a good fit if the people who would respond have no experience. The Philips HS1 is also a good starting point, with its cabinet and signage included.

Community halls and seniors' centres

Activities there are varied: meals, games, workshops, talks, shows. People come and go, and the schedule changes from day to day.

In such a place, it is useful to designate a person responsible for the device and its checks, and a backup. A model that is simple to maintain, like the HeartSine with its Pad-Pak cartridge, can lighten the load.

Non-profit organizations, food banks and community organizations

Organizations often have a small space, few staff and a limited budget. The recertified ZOLL can make it possible to equip the premises at a lower cost. The monthly subscription (see below) is another way to spread out the expense.

Where should you install a defibrillator in a place of worship or non-profit organization?

The device must be visible, easy to reach and kept in a location compatible with its storage conditions.

Near the main hall or gathering areas

Place it close to where the most people are: the nave, the prayer hall, the community hall, the gym or the kitchen where meals are held. The goal is to shorten the time between recognizing the cardiac arrest and the AED reaching the person.

Accessible outside opening hours

An AED kept in a locked office is useless if the office is closed during the activity. Make sure the device remains accessible whenever the premises are in use, including by groups that rent the hall.

How many defibrillators do you need?

There is no universal number. The right number depends on your premises and your activities. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Criterion — Question to ask

• Floor area — Question to ask: How long does it take to go get the AED?
• Floors — Question to ask: Could stairs or the elevator delay access?
• Buildings — Question to ask: Is the annex or the neighbouring hall close enough?
• Schedules — Question to ask: Is the AED accessible at every activity?
• Tenants — Question to ask: Do the groups that rent the hall know where the device is?
• Volunteers — Question to ask: Do the people present know the location?

Preparing volunteers and leaders

Defibrillators intended for the general public are designed to guide users. CPR and AED training is nevertheless strongly recommended.

It helps people recognize a cardiac arrest, call for help and begin chest compressions.

Plan a simple response plan

In a place of worship or non-profit organization, not everyone knows each other. A simple plan, known to the leaders, can specify:

• Who calls 911.
• Who gets the defibrillator.
• Who starts CPR.
• Who meets the paramedics at the door.
• Who guides the other participants during the response.

How do you maintain an AED?

A defibrillator can sit unused for years. It must nevertheless be checked regularly.

Batteries and pads have a limited lifespan. The devices run self-tests, but a physical check is still necessary. For example, according to the product pages, the Philips HS1 battery lasts 4 years and its pads 2 years, and the HeartSine cartridge is replaced every four years.

An inspection routine should include:

• Checking the readiness indicator.
• Confirming the location and accessibility.
• Monitoring the pads' expiry date.
• Checking the condition of the battery.
• Examining the wall cabinet and accessories.
• Confirming that the signage is visible.
• Noting any anomaly or use.

The frequency of checks must follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Have your AED inspected by a professional

Cardio Choc offers an AED inspection and maintenance service, regardless of brand or model. A professional verifies that the device is ready to work.

The service includes, in particular, a complete inspection of the device, verification of the essential components, a detailed inspection report, a valid certificate of compliance, a dated security seal and preventive maintenance.

For an organization whose volunteers change often, it is a way to make sure someone has actually checked the device. Choose the service, then contact us to schedule the inspection.

Track your device with DefibSync

DefibSync is included with your AED purchase. This platform makes it easier to keep track of your equipment. It does not replace regular checks of the device and its accessibility.

Buying or subscribing to a defibrillator: which should you choose?

For an organization on a limited budget, how you pay matters as much as the device itself.

Buying the defibrillator

Buying makes you the owner of the device. It is then up to you to plan for inspection and for replacing batteries and pads. The new packages include a wall cabinet. The recertified model lowers the upfront cost.

Choosing the AED subscription

Cardio Choc's defibrillator subscription is offered with no upfront costs and no commitment. You can subscribe whenever you like and cancel at any time.

Instead of paying for the device in a single payment, you spread the cost over time with a fixed, predictable monthly payment. This can suit an organization with a tight annual budget.

Two plans are offered: Standard and Premium. The Premium plan is aimed at organizations that want to minimize internal management, with, in particular, replacement of certain components, a loaner device and connectivity. Pricing can be found on the product page.

Buy a defibrillator for a non-profit organization or place of worship at Cardio Choc

The right defibrillator depends on your setting, the people who might respond and your budget.

At Cardio Choc, we offer the Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1, the HeartSine Samaritan 360P and the recertified ZOLL AED Plus to meet the needs of non-profit organizations and places of worship. Our team can also help you choose the device, plan the inspection and compare buying with subscribing.

Want to see the other models? Browse our full selection of defibrillators.

Need help equipping your organization or place of worship? Contact Cardio Choc to find a solution suited to your setting, your volunteers and your budget.

What is the best defibrillator for a place of worship?

It depends on your budget and your setting. The Philips HeartStart OnSite HS1 and the HeartSine Samaritan 360P are offered as new packages with a wall cabinet. The recertified ZOLL AED Plus is a more affordable option. Compare the product pages and contact our team if needed.

What is the difference between a semi-automatic and a fully automatic AED?

With a semi-automatic AED, like the Philips HS1, the user presses the shock button when the device asks for it. With a fully automatic AED, like the HeartSine 360P, the device delivers the shock itself if needed. The ZOLL AED Plus is offered in both versions.

Is a recertified AED reliable?

The ZOLL AED Plus from the Encore Series is refurbished: it is tested, thoroughly inspected and fully restored. Its limited warranty is one year, compared with the new packages. See the product page for all the details.

Where should a defibrillator be installed in a church, mosque, synagogue or temple?

In a visible spot that is easy to reach and near gathering areas, with clear signage. It must remain accessible whenever the premises are in use.

Can volunteers with no medical training use an AED?

AEDs intended for the general public are designed to guide users with voice prompts. CPR and defibrillator training is still strongly recommended.

Can an AED be used on a child?

It depends on the model and the accessories. For the Philips HS1 and the ZOLL AED Plus, pediatric pads are sold separately. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

How many defibrillators do we need for our building?

The number depends on the floor area, the floors, the buildings and the distances. Assess the time needed to retrieve the device from each area.

Can we subscribe instead of buying a defibrillator?

Yes. Our subscription has no upfront costs and no commitment, and it can be cancelled at any time. Two plans are offered, Standard and Premium. Details can be found on the AED subscription page.

How do we get our defibrillator inspected?

Our inspection and maintenance service applies to all brands and models. It includes a detailed inspection report and a valid certificate of compliance.

Who is responsible for the device in a volunteer organization?

It is best to appoint a person responsible and a backup, who check the readiness indicator, the expiry dates and the device's accessibility, and who record each check.