Most important, experts say, is that the technology gives real-time instructions. In Zoll's devices, each session is recorded to allow people to look back on how they did and what needs improvement.

But Connecticut-based Defibtech has taken the visual screen to new levels. Earlier this year, the company released the first and, to date, only defibrillator with video instructions: the Lifeline View.

"A picture is worth a thousand words, and video is worth even more," says Defibtech's Laub.

Unlike a visual screen, which indicates what to do with pictures, Defibtech's screen shows a real-time, full-motion instructional video.

Industry experts are confident that the lifesaving devices will move toward video in the years to come.

"[Video] is going to become, within a few years, the standard of care," says Laub, pointing out that anyone, regardless of what language she or he speaks, could perform CPR using an AED with an instructional video.

Laub says in the next year his company will be releasing two to three new models. He could not elaborate on the new features or expected availability, other than to say the company intends to make the devices more durable and longer-lasting.

Still, companies have obstacles to overcome.

Lifesaver-in-training
"The biggest challenge is awareness and getting the word out about this incredible therapy and how it saves peoples' lives," says Jamie Froman, director of marketing for Philips HeartStart's AED business. "We've made incredible strides, but we always have that next challenge of making sure we can educate people about how they can meet that next survivor."

The staff at eMed recognizes owning an AED is only half the battle in saving a life. Without proper training, there is only so much one can do - even with AED audio and visual instructions - which is why the company offers education programs to its customers.

"Our role, in a nutshell, is to educate individuals on the risk of SCA and provide a solution to them that saves lives," says Wellons.

EMed targets its training program to a select handful of individuals in a facility who will ultimately become an emergency response team.

"Training, a lot of times, is outsourced or [there isn't any] at all," says Wellons. "We believe it's a key component to preparing our customers to really be ready to save a life. If you own [a defibrillator] but don't have people trained to use it or don't know where it is when that emergency happens, it's only so good."

Wellons points out that his company has saved an average of five lives per year through its training and AEDs.

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