The victim’s weight is one of the factors influencing the amount of energy effectively received by the heart when using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The recommended electrical shock ranges from 2 to 5 joules per kilogram. For instance, resuscitating an 80 kg victim generally requires a shock greater than 200J.
Furthermore, the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) recommends that the defibrillator deliver an initial shock of at least 150J, with subsequent shocks ranging between 200J and 360J.
The model distributed by Locacoeur, the Cardiac Science G5, has a capacity of 354J.

As a Class IIb medical device, an annual maintenance check is mandatory.

The Locacoeur GAD+ connected defibrillator features an unparalleled automatic fault transmission technology, allowing our team to intervene as soon as a technical issue arises—without requiring notification from the operator. This ensures that, in case of a fault or deterioration, the defibrillator does not remain non-operational until the operator detects the issue or the next scheduled annual inspection.

Daily tests identify any issues related to the defibrillator, communication equipment (such as signal loss), battery, and electrodes, with reports transmitted to a secure server. Operators can rely on Locacoeur to manage maintenance, fault intervention, and medical device vigilance.

A defibrillator analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm and determines whether an electric shock is necessary. The analysis and shock delivery are conducted through two electrodes. The Locacoeur GAD+® connected defibrillator uses non-polarized electrodes, ensuring that placement orientation does not affect the accuracy of the analysis or the effectiveness of the shock.

The device examines the heart’s electrical activity, with a low asystole detection threshold allowing it to identify even extremely weak cardiac activity. It determines whether a shock is required and delivers it using a high-voltage generator that powers a storage capacitor. A high-capacity storage capacitor enables the delivery of a greater energy output, which may be necessary for larger individuals, patients with low impedance, or cases where initial shocks were insufficient.

The shock must be administered at an extremely precise moment (within milliseconds) in the heart’s electrical cycle. The quality and accuracy of the algorithm are therefore crucial factors in the effectiveness of a defibrillator.

A semi-automatic defibrillator (SAD) requires human validation to deliver a shock. An automated external defibrillator (AED) requires no other human intervention beyond the placement of the electrodes. Anyone is legally authorized to use an AED, whereas SADs are reserved for medical personnel.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that automatically analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers a defibrillation shock to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Anyone, even if not a doctor, is authorized to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to assist a person in cardiac arrest (Decree No. 2007-705 of May 4, 2007).

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must be used to assist any victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), whose symptoms include loss of consciousness, breathing, and pulse.

The recommendations for optimal use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are as follows:
– The victim must be unconscious, not breathing normally, and have no pulse.
– If the victim is in water, they should be moved beforehand.
– If the victim is on a metal surface: our defibrillator, the Cardiac Science G5, is the only model that does not require moving the victim.
– After applying the electrodes, do not touch the victim.
– Do not use alcohol to clean the victim’s chest.
– Do not use an AED in a moving vehicle.
– Do not use an AED near flammable materials.

With the connected Locacoeur GAD+® defibrillator, the user is linked to our 24/7 Emergency Medical Operations Center to assist in managing the victim.

The connected Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Locacoeur GAD+® provides comprehensive management of the decision-making process. The user, automatically connected to a professional from an accredited teleassistance center (available 24/7) upon opening the defibrillator, will simply need to apply the electrodes and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

In case of doubt, the user can request confirmation at any time from the teleassistance center with which they will remain in communication until emergency services arrive.

The user will also be assisted in managing CPR by the CPR sensor, which measures the effectiveness of the chest compressions in real time and provides clear corrective instructions. The diagnosis of cardiac activity, the decision to proceed with one or more shocks, and the energy delivered will be handled by the connected Locacoeur GAD+® defibrillator.

The connected Locacoeur GAD+® defibrillator uses non-polarized electrodes. The user does not need to worry about the electrode placement orientation, as the defibrillator will reverse the direction of the shock delivery if necessary.

The electrodes should be placed on the upper right side of the chest and below the left breast of the victim. For children under 8 years old or weighing less than 25 kg, pediatric electrodes must be used.

Before applying the electrodes, the chest must be cleared by removing or cutting any clothing, bra, jewelry, piercing, or patch using the medical-grade scissors provided by Locacoeur. Any hair that could interfere with adhesion should be shaved, and the chest should be wiped dry if excessively moist. It is important to apply firm pressure when placing the electrodes to ensure proper adhesion of the adhesive gel.

The connected Locacoeur GAD+® defibrillator automatically connects the user to an accredited medical emergency telemonitoring center (available 24/7) as soon as the defibrillator is turned on. A professional will assist you in managing the emergency and performing the necessary actions until emergency services arrive.

The user of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) fulfills the obligation to provide assistance established by Article 223-6 of the French Penal Code. Therefore, they cannot be subject to legal proceedings.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be used on patients with a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator (ICD). However, it is important to ensure that the electrodes are not placed directly over the pacemaker, which is often visible as a rectangular device positioned under the muscle or beneath the skin in the pectoral area.

The Locacoeur GAD+® connected Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been designed to maximize the survival chances of victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). It is the only AED that complies with all the guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC). The entire risk chain is taken into account, and unique solutions are offered:

High-quality equipment: The defibrillator (AED) we selected, the Cardiac Science G5, a global leader, has technical characteristics superior to all competing products. It is also the intervention defibrillator of the U.S. Marines.

CPR Sensor: The chest compression performed is continuously analyzed, and real-time corrective instructions are given to improve the quality of the compressions.

Remote Assistance: The Locacoeur GAD+® defibrillator allows you to connect with our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Operations Center (COS), which contacts emergency intervention services and assists you in managing the victim. The user does not need to handle the emergency call or the location of the intervention. Assisted by our COS, they can focus on managing the victim, gaining valuable minutes that could make a difference.

Geolocation: In case of an intervention at a remote location from the storage site, emergency services are immediately directed to the victim using the GPS data from the defibrillator. This allows the user to focus on helping the victim.

Remote Monitoring: We automatically receive an alert in case of a malfunction with the equipment. Our technicians can intervene without waiting for the next annual visit or for someone on-site to notice the issue.

Rental: We retain ownership of the equipment, ensuring we are responsible for its proper functioning. We do not use financing institutions to avoid situations where a non-medical equipment company might actually own the device.

If you choose to rent the Locacoeur GAD+® connected Automated External Defibrillator (AED), we will remain the owner of the equipment and are responsible for its proper functioning.

The rental contract will be signed between your legal entity and SAS Locacoeur. By not using a financing company, the ownership of the equipment is not transferred to a third-party entity that is not specialized in medical equipment. Additionally, the contracts of the vast majority of leasing companies prohibit the financing of consumables or services, such as annual maintenance. Our rental contract allows for the inclusion of these elements, thus preventing the nullification of the contract.

If you choose to rent the Locacoeur GAD+® connected Automated External Defibrillator (AED), we will remain the owner of the equipment and will be responsible for its proper functioning.

The rental contract will be signed between your legal entity and SAS Locacoeur. As we do not use a financing company, the ownership of the equipment is not transferred to a third-party entity that is not specialized in medical equipment. Furthermore, the contracts of the vast majority of leasing companies prohibit the financing of consumables or services such as annual maintenance. Our rental contract allows these elements to be included, thus preventing the nullification of the contract.

The location of the intervention is sometimes far from the defibrillator storage site. A geolocated defibrillator, such as the Locacoeur GAD+®, will allow emergency services to be directed directly to the intervention site, saving valuable minutes in a situation where every second counts. In the event of theft, we can use the geolocation feature to track the defibrillator.

The Locacoeur GAD+ solution uses the Cardiac Science G5 automated external defibrillator (AED). This defibrillator boasts the best features (see defibrillator comparison) and has not been reported for any technical issues to the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM), which, in its 2014-2015 study on AEDs, reported incident rates of up to 50%.

Our communication system, powered by both mains electricity and battery, tests and communicates its status twice a day. The absence of a report (error or compliance report) automatically triggers action by our services.

Sudden cardiac arrest (also known as sudden cardiac death, cardiopulmonary arrest, or cardiorespiratory arrest) is a rapid, erratic heartbeat. The heart’s function becomes chaotic, and it is no longer able to pump blood effectively, causing the victim to lose consciousness. The victim no longer breathes, and their pulse is undetectable. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) leads to death if not treated immediately. A defibrillation shock from an external defibrillator is necessary to restore the heart’s pumping function.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA or sudden death) can affect anyone at any time, regardless of age. According to SAMU, the average age of victims is 39.2 years. It can occur even when the victim has no heart condition or previous medical history.

Certain factors increase the risk of cardiac arrest: Shock conditions (drowning, hypothermia, electrocution, trauma, allergic shock), stress, smoking, alcoholism, physical activity, overweight, cholesterol, diabetes, hemorrhages, cardiac causes (previous heart attack, myocardial infarction, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, cardiac aneurysm, coronary artery diseases, ventricular hypertrophy, heart malformations), and genetic causes.

No, a heart attack (or myocardial infarction) is triggered by the blockage of a coronary artery, which leads to a complete or partial loss of blood supply to the myocardium. Victims of a heart attack typically experience chest pain and are usually conscious. A heart attack can lead to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), but SCA can occur independently of a heart attack and without warning signs.

Immediate intervention is crucial. Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 3 minutes gives more than a 70% chance of survival. After 10 minutes, the chances of survival drop below 2%. Therefore, waiting for emergency responders, whose average response time is over 13 minutes, is not sufficient. Thanks to the connected Locacoeur GAD+® defibrillator, the victim’s chances of survival are significantly improved: the user is connected to our 24/7 Emergency Operations Center (COS), which contacts emergency services and sends them directly to the scene (via geolocation). Finally, our COS assists the user until medical personnel arrive.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can affect anyone at any time: children, adults, athletes, and even those with a healthy lifestyle. While the risk increases with age or the presence of heart problems, a large proportion of victims have no known risk factors. However, certain causes may increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest: electrocution, drowning, suffocation, trauma, hemorrhage, poisoning, allergic shock, etc.

Additionally, individual risk factors include: men over 50, postmenopausal women, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive physical activity, diabetes, excessive weight, personal or family history of heart disease, tobacco, drug, or alcohol abuse, and stress.

External Automatic Defibrillators (AEDs) are high-tech medical devices that use consumables with a limited lifespan.

Due to their classification as Class IIb medical devices, annual maintenance is mandatory.

The connected Locacoeur GAD+ defibrillator, equipped with an unmatched automatic fault transmission technology, allows our staff to intervene as soon as a technical issue arises, without the operator needing to notify us. Thus, in case of a fault or degradation, the defibrillator does not remain out of service until the operator notices the issue or during the next annual visit. Daily tests help identify any problems with the defibrillator, communication equipment (signal loss), battery, and electrodes, and are transmitted to a secure server. The operator can rely on Locacoeur for maintenance, intervention in case of fault, and equipment safety monitoring.

Defibrillators are Class IIb medical devices subject to mandatory maintenance. The operator may choose to maintain the defibrillator and its consumables themselves and will then assume legal responsibility in the event of a problem during use. If the defibrillator fails to operate during use, the operator is exposed to criminal risk.

With failure rates of certain devices exceeding 40%, it is strongly recommended to subscribe to a maintenance contract that includes consumable replacement and, as advised by the ERC, an on-site intervention contract.

For example, according to the ANSM, electrodes are responsible for 29% of failures and are not tested by most defibrillators. Therefore, except for the Cardiac Science G5, which tests the functionality of its electrodes, the operator will never have the guarantee that the electrodes are functional.

Furthermore, except for the Cardiac Science G5, most AEDs do not use an electromagnetic status indicator. Therefore, a battery failure will not trigger the status indicator, and the AED’s non-functionality may not be immediately known.

The connected Locacoeur GAD+® defibrillator also integrates a telemonitoring module for the defibrillator and its consumables, along with an on-site intervention contract. The defibrillator, electrodes, and battery are tested daily (presence and functionality tests), and our technicians are automatically alerted in case of failure. They can intervene without waiting for the next annual visit.

Periodic verification is mandatory: it involves checking the good condition of the equipment and ensuring that its status indicator does not show any faults. However, checking the status indicator does not constitute maintenance. Similarly, replacing consumables is not maintenance, but rather upkeep.
The maintenance of a defibrillator is also mandatory: should we wait for the defibrillator to be used to attempt to save a victim before realizing it is defective?
It is necessary to have preventive maintenance performed by a certified professional at least once a year, who will thoroughly check the defibrillator to identify any potential weaknesses.

Therefore, every operator should ask the following questions:
Has a regular verification procedure been put in place?
Is the upkeep being done regularly?
Is preventive maintenance by a certified professional ensured?