How much is a human life worth? If there was a way you can potentially save a life – perhaps even your own -- with an investment of just $1,000, would you make the deal? Of course you would! Thanks to enhanced technology and rapidly dropping prices, now everyone can have access to the amazing lifesaving devices known as an automated external defibrillator, or AED.

An AED is a lightweight, portable device that can jumpstart a victim’s heart by using an electrical pulse called a biphasic shock. Guiding the rescuer with a combination of simple and clear voice, text and graphical instructions, AEDs do nearly all of the work, enabling practically anyone save a life!

According to the AED resource Web site Start A Heart, the devices are increasingly found today in a variety of surroundings, including schools, public buildings and airports all over the country. Many medical professionals consider AEDs to be more effective and easier to use than CPR, especially since even an untrained layman can successfully restart a heart with just the push of a button. This is excellent news for anyone who experiences heart problems in the vicinity of an AED. Although emergency crews are generally quick to respond to heart attack victims, the time that elapses is often too great for individuals who are suffering from heart failure. If you worry

Schools are quickly jumping on the AED bandwagon as well, choosing to invest in defibrillators to ensure the safety and protection of their students, teachers, faculty, and parents. These devices can be quite handy when faced with a teenager in cardiac arrest due to an unknown heart problem that is aggravated during a sporting event or activity. Many teens have fortunately been given a fantastic second chance at life by an AED.

Though many AEDs are never used, you’ll want be sure you have a high quality and well maintained model in case the day every comes when you need to save someone’s life. Quality defibrillators, such as the Phillips HeartStart and Defibtech Lifeline cost around $1,250, while higher end models from Welch Allyn and Medtronic are just a bit over $2,000. You can often find a used or refurbished AED for under $1,000. While most units will simply sit around for years gathering dust, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance so that your AED will properly function should the call to duty ever come. The life your defibrillator someday saves could even be your own!

Larry Mitchell is a San Francisco based author.

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