Defibrillators: Types, Biphasic, and How to Choose in Colombia
Technical Guide · Medical Equipment · Colombia 2026
Defibrillators: types, how biphasic shock works, and how to choose the right one
From public AEDs to ICU defibrillator-monitors — a complete guide to defibrillator types, biphasic technology, the 2020/2023 AHA guidelines, Colombia's Law 1831, and institutional selection criteria
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GSMED Imaging Technical-Clinical Team
Based on: AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC 2020 (2023 update), ERC Guidelines 2021, Colombia Law 1831/2017 (AEDs in public places), MSD Professional Manual (defibrillation 2025), and Mindray BeneHeart, ZOLL Medical, and Physio-Control catalogs.
A defibrillator is a device capable of reversing ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) — the cardiac rhythms that cause sudden cardiac arrest. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the probability of survival in VF drops by approximately 10%. In Colombia, Law 1831 of 2017 requires AEDs in high-traffic public places — and knowing the available types is essential for any healthcare institution or company.
1. How a defibrillator works — the physics behind the shock
A defibrillator delivers a high-energy electrical shock (measured in joules) through the myocardium. The goal is not to "restart" the heart — it is to simultaneously depolarize all cardiac cells to interrupt the chaotic rhythm of ventricular fibrillation and allow the sinoatrial node to regain control of the normal heart rhythm.
Modern defibrillators use biphasic technology: the current flows in one direction first and then in the opposite direction. This reduces the required energy from 360 J (monophasic) to 120–200 J and significantly decreases myocardial damage. All modern defibrillators in Colombia must be biphasic — monophasic devices are obsolete.
10%
Drop in survival for every minute without defibrillation in VF (AHA)
3 min
Target time for in-hospital defibrillation — AHA 2020 guidelines
200 J
Typical maximum energy in modern biphasic defibrillators
Law 1831
Mandates AEDs in high-traffic public places in Colombia since 2017
2. The 4 types of defibrillators
🟢AED — Automated External Defibrillator (public)
Automatically analyzes the heart rhythm and guides the operator with step-by-step voice and visual instructions. No medical training is required — it can be used by anyone. Mandatory in airports, shopping malls, stadiums, schools, and workplaces with more than 50 employees according to Colombia's Law 1831/2017. 4–5-year battery. Annual maintenance.
→ Public spaces · Businesses · No medical training required · Law 1831
🔵Semi-automatic/manual defibrillator-monitor
Professional equipment for medical use. Manual mode: the physician interprets the ECG and decides when to defibrillate. Automatic mode: equivalent to an AED. Integrates ECG monitoring, SpO2, non-invasive blood pressure, capnography, and external transcutaneous pacing. The standard in ICUs, emergency rooms, operating rooms, and medical ambulances.
→ ICU · Emergency rooms · Surgery · Medical ambulance · Physicians
🔴Implantable defibrillator (ICD/CRT-D)
A device surgically implanted under the skin that monitors the rhythm 24/7 and delivers an automatic shock if it detects a life-threatening arrhythmia. For patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death: ischemic heart disease with EF <35%, cardiomyopathy, channelopathies (Brugada syndrome, long QT). It is not an institutional purchase — it is implanted in the patient.
→ High-risk heart disease · Permanent implant · Interventional cardiology
🟡Defibrillator vest (LifeVest)
Portable external defibrillator that the patient wears for weeks or months while waiting for heart function recovery or an ICD implantation. Continuously monitors and delivers an automatic shock if it detects VF or pVT. Indicated in the post-MI or post-myocarditis period with depressed EF.
→ Post-MI · Post-myocarditis · Transient risk · Waiting for ICD
3. Models available in Colombia — comparison
| Model | Type | Energy | Key features | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mindray BeneHeart D1 | Public AED | 150 J biphasic | Voice guide · ECG screen · IP44 water-resistant · 5-year standby battery | Public spaces · Schools · Businesses |
| Mindray BeneHeart D3 | Monitor + defibrillator | 200 J biphasic | 12-lead ECG · SpO2 · NIBP · Pacing · AED + manual mode · PHEIS connectivity | Emergency rooms · ICU · Ambulance |
| Mindray BeneHeart D6 | ICU monitor + defibrillator | 360 J biphasic | All D3 features + capnography · IBP · Temperature · Advanced data management | ICU · Surgery · High complexity |
| ZOLL AED Plus | Public AED | 120–200 J biphasic | CPR-D-padz with real-time CPR quality feedback · Screen | Public spaces · CPR training |
| Physio-Control LIFEPAK 15 | Monitor + defibrillator | 360 J biphasic | Emergency room standard · Bluetooth · 12-lead · Capnography · Very robust | Hospital emergency rooms · Advanced ambulances |
4. Law 1831 of 2017 — obligations in Colombia
What Law 1831 of 2017 requires in Colombia Law 1831 of 2017 established the mandatory installation of AEDs (External Access Devices) in high-traffic public places in Colombia: international and national airports, transportation terminals, higher education institutions, shopping malls with more than 50 stores, hotels with more than 100 rooms, gyms and sports centers with more than 50 people, and companies with more than 50 employees. The same law established that the use of the AED is permitted to anyone who finds one available in the event of cardiac arrest — without the need for prior medical training.
5. Frequently asked questions
Can someone without medical training use an AED?
Yes — by design and by law. The AED is designed to be used by people without medical training. The device analyzes the heart rhythm on its own and only indicates a shock when it detects a rhythm that requires one (VF or pVT). If the rhythm does not require a shock, the AED will not deliver the shock even if the button is pressed. Colombia's Law 1831/2017 explicitly states that its use is permitted to anyone in the event of cardiac arrest. CPR and AED training is highly recommended but is not a legal requirement for using it.
How much does a defibrillator cost in Colombia in 2026?
A public AED (Mindray BeneHeart D1, ZOLL AED Plus, Philips HeartStart) ranges from $8,000,000 to $18,000,000 COP. A professional defibrillator-monitor (Mindray BeneHeart D3 or D6) can cost between $18,000,000 and $50,000,000 COP depending on the included features. Certified refurbished equipment can be a valid alternative for institutions with limited budgets. Contact us for a specific quote.
How often should an AED be checked?
The AED requires: weekly visual inspection to verify that the status indicator is green (device operational); annual preventive maintenance by a certified technician to check the battery, the pad electrodes (with expiration date), the software, and the test shock; and battery replacement when indicated by the manufacturer (generally every 4–5 years in standby). The pad electrodes have their own expiration date (generally 2–3 years) and must be replaced according to that date. Pad electrodes used after a real or practice shock must be replaced immediately.
Mindray BeneHeart defibrillators available in Colombia — GSMED
Public AED D1 and professional defibrillator-monitor D3/D6 with local technical support, advice, and financing.
Defibrillators for your institution — GSMED Colombia
Public AED to comply with Law 1831 and defibrillator-monitors for ICUs and emergency rooms — with INVIMA registration and local technical support.
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