TL;DR
AED maintenance is easy. Check your AED monthly to make sure it shows a ready status, the battery is charged, the pads haven’t expired, and all emergency supplies are present. Keep the device easy to find and access, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, and always inspect and restock it after use. A few minutes of routine maintenance can help ensure your AED is ready when someone’s life depends on it.
AED Maintenance
An AED (automated external defibrillator) can save a life during sudden cardiac arrest, but only if it works when you need it.
AEDs are designed to be dependable and relatively easy to maintain. Most AEDs perform automatic self-tests and can remain ready for years with very little maintenance. However, batteries eventually expire, electrode pads need to be replaced, and equipment can become damaged.
If you are responsible for an AED at a workplace, school, gym, church, medical office, community center, or other facility, routine inspections can help ensure the device is ready when every second counts.
Why Is AED Maintenance Important?
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops pumping blood effectively. A person may collapse, become unresponsive, and stop breathing normally.
CPR helps provide oxygenated blood to the brain and major organs, but it will not stop ventricular fibrillation or restore the natural rhythm of the heart. An AED can analyze the heart, determine if a shockable rhythm exists, and deliver a shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm.
Immediate CPR and defibrillation within 3-5 minutes will give the best chance of survival. This is why it is essential to make sure the AED is in proper working order, the battery is charged, the pads are not expired, and no other problems exist.
Proper AED maintenance can help save a life.
How Often Should an AED Be Inspected?
We recommend monthly inspections. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine what to look for, what type of indicator, error codes, and maintenance schedule.
A basic inspection should confirm that:
- The AED indicates that it is ready for use.
- The battery is properly installed and has not reached its replacement date.
- Electrode pads are stored correctly and have not expired.
- The AED and carrying case are free from visible damage.
- Required accessories are present.
- The AED is accessible and has not been blocked or moved.
- The cabinet, signage, or alarm is functioning properly, when applicable.
Keeping an inspection log can also make it easier to document when the AED was checked and identify upcoming replacement dates.
Check the AED’s Status Indicator
Most AEDs automatically perform internal self-tests. Depending on the model, these tests may check the battery, internal circuitry, software, electrode connection, or other components.
There is typically an indicator showing whether it is ready.
This might be a green light, check mark, flashing indicator, or another symbol. Some AEDs may also produce an audible warning when they detect a problem.
Become familiar with the specific readiness indicators on your AED.
If the AED indicates a problem, don’t simply leave it for the next inspection. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions and correct the problem as soon as possible.
AED Batteries Need to Be Replaced
AED batteries can last for years, but they don’t last forever.
Battery life varies considerably depending on the AED model, battery type, environmental conditions, self-testing frequency, and whether the AED has been used.
Check the manufacturer’s recommended replacement interval rather than assuming the battery is good simply because the AED has never been used. Also remember that there may be a difference between a battery’s shelf life and its installed standby life. If the AED warns that its battery is low, replace the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Facilities should consider keeping track of battery replacement dates in their AED maintenance records so a replacement can be ordered before it becomes urgent.
AED Pads Expire: Replace Them on a Regular Basis
One of the easiest AED maintenance items to overlook is the electrode pads.
AED pads typically use an adhesive conductive gel that allows them to stick to the patient’s bare chest and helps the AED deliver therapy effectively. Over time, the adhesive and gel can deteriorate. That’s why AED pads have expiration dates.
During routine inspections, check the expiration date printed on the pad package. Replace the pads before they expire. Pads should generally also be replaced after they have been opened or used. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
Don’t wait until an emergency to discover that the pads expired months ago.
Adult vs. Pediatric AED Pads
If your AED program may need to serve children, determine whether your particular AED requires pediatric electrode pads, a pediatric key, or another method of reducing the energy delivered.
Different AED models handle pediatric use differently.
If pediatric equipment is appropriate for your facility, make sure it is stored with or near the AED, clearly identified, compatible with the device, and within its expiration date.
Schools, childcare facilities, recreation centers, churches, and other locations where children are regularly present should pay particular attention to pediatric readiness.
Check the AED Emergency Kit
An AED response kit may contain more than the defibrillator itself.
Common supplies stored with an AED include:
- Disposable gloves
- Trauma shears
- A CPR barrier or face shield
- A razor for excessive chest hair
- Gauze or towels for drying the chest
- Extra electrode pads, when appropriate
These supplies should be checked periodically.
We recommend sealing the kit or accessory pouch to ensure nothing has been removed.
Make Sure the AED Is Accessible
A perfectly maintained AED isn’t very helpful if nobody can find it.
AEDs should be placed where they can be reached quickly and should not be hidden behind locked doors, stacked boxes, furniture, or equipment.
Check the area around the AED during every inspection.
Ask yourself a simple question:
Could someone unfamiliar with the building find and retrieve this AED quickly during an emergency?
Clear AED signage can make a significant difference, particularly in large workplaces, schools, gyms, hotels, and public buildings.
If the AED is stored in an alarmed cabinet, the cabinet and alarm should also be checked according to the manufacturer’s or facility’s procedures.
Protect the AED From Extreme Temperatures
AEDs should be stored according to the environmental specifications established by the manufacturer. Operating temperatures generally range from 32°F to 158°F (0°C to 70°C) unless specified by the manuracturer.
Extreme heat or cold can shorten the lifespan of batteries, electrode pads, and electronics.
If your AED must be stored in a challenging environment, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for acceptable operating and storage temperatures.
What Should You Do After an AED Is Used?
An AED should be inspected and returned to service as soon as possible after an emergency.
Depending on the device and circumstances, this may involve:
- Replacing the used electrode pads.
- Checking or replacing the battery if necessary.
- Replacing gloves, razors, gauze, CPR barriers, and other supplies that were used.
- Cleaning the AED according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Checking the device’s readiness indicator.
- Documenting the event according to your organization’s AED program.
- Downloading or preserving event data when required by your organization, medical director, manufacturer, or local regulations.
Do not simply put the AED back in its cabinet after an emergency. Make sure it is ready at all times.
Keep an AED Maintenance and Inspection Log
A simple maintenance log can help prevent expired equipment from being overlooked.
Here is a sample maintenance/inspection checklist:
- Inspector:
- Date:
- Serial number:
- Location: accessible/near phone
- Case
- Battery
- On/Off Test
- Adult Pads (Exp Date)
- Child Pads (Exp Date)
- User Guide
- Mask/Barrier
- Razor
- Scissors
- Non-latex Gloves
- Towels
- Incident Report Forms
Download The AED Monthly Checklist
For organizations with multiple AEDs, keeping centralized records can be particularly helpful.
We recommend adding reminders to your calendar well before batteries and pads are due to expire. This gives you time to purchase replacements without leaving the AED out of service.
AED Recalls, Updates and Safety Notices
Be sure to register your AED with the manufacturer to make sure you receive important notices about your device.
Be sure to install any updated software or accessories as recommended by the manufacturer.
If there is a recall, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on returning or updating your device.
Does an AED Need Professional Servicing?
Normal maintenance and inspections can easily be performed by anyone. However, having your AED(s) inspected and maintained by a company who specializes in AED service can simplify the process.
If your AED is showing an error code, fails the self-test, or is physically damaged, do not try to open the unit or fix it yourself. Contact the manufacturer or a factory-authorized service provider. It’s also a good idea to have your AED professionally inspected if it has been exposed to extreme conditions or elements outside of its specifications, such as extreme temperatures or water.
Never attempt unauthorized repairs or modifications to an AED.
Don’t Forget CPR and AED Training
Maintaining the AED itself is only part of being prepared. Employees and other potential responders should know where the AED is located and how to use it. Training your staff is essential.
AEDs provide voice and visual prompts that guide rescuers through the process, but CPR and AED training gives responders an opportunity to practice recognizing cardiac arrest, performing high-quality CPR, operating an AED, and coordinating with emergency medical services.
Regular training can also make employees more comfortable taking action during a real emergency.
Final Thoughts
A Five-Minute Check Could Make a Life-Saving Difference
AED maintenance is easy. For many devices, a routine inspection takes only a few minutes. Check the readiness indicator, battery, pads, accessories, cabinet, signage, and accessibility. Keep accurate records and replace components before they expire.
Most of the time, the AED will sit unused, which is exactly what you hope happens.
But if someone suffers from from sudden cardiac arrest, maintaining your AED will help ensure you are ready to act in an emergency.