Cost	AEDs vary widely in price, but typically start at about $800 to $1,500; both the initial cost of the unit and ongoing replacement costs (for batteries, carrying case, chest pads, and training materials) should be considered
Ease of use	All newer AEDs have voice and visual prompts; some units function with a single button
Liability	Tort law, recent jury verdicts against large businesses, and newly introduced federal legislation suggest that the risks of not having an AED in certain locations might outweigh the risks associated with using one17; offices that elect to purchase an AED can lower the risks associated with its use by implementing a well-designed AED program
Maintenance and upkeep	Most units come with batteries that will last up to three to five years; chest pads often need to be replaced every two years
Safety	All AEDs are extremely safe and are designed not to deliver a shock when it is not indicated
Self-testing	All AEDs do some form of self-testing; if the unit will rarely be used, a product that does more frequent and extensive self-testing is desirable
Training availability	Some AEDs can be converted into a training tool with an adapter, whereas others require the purchase of an AED trainer unit
Use in children	Some AEDs are certified for use in children as young as 12 months and have child-size chest pads or an attachment that decreases the voltage delivered; these may be preferable in a family practice office