How do I verify if an AED vendor is authorized?
To verify if an AED vendor is authorized, start by visiting the official website of the AED manufacturer and look for their published list of authorized distributors and resellers. Most reputable manufacturers, such as Philips, ZOLL, Physio-Control, or HeartSine, maintain an updated directory of approved vendors. If the company you are considering does not appear on that list, request written documentation from the vendor that confirms their authorized status. You should also ask whether the AED units they sell come with a full manufacturer’s warranty, are FDA-cleared for use in the United States, and will be properly registered with the manufacturer after purchase. Buying from unauthorized sellers can result in receiving expired, refurbished, or unsupported devices that may not be eligible for service, software updates, or pad/battery replacement programs. For organizations, especially those subject to OSHA or state Good Samaritan law compliance, purchasing only through authorized channels provides both legal protection and assurance that the AED will perform as expected in a cardiac emergency.
