AED Units: Basic Maintenance Guide and Lifespan
Defibrillators play a pivotal role in emergencies, and on-site AEDs are one of the most popular devices for the public market for their incredibly easy maintenance and durability. However, its highlight lay in its design, enabling even untrained bystanders to successfully use it to resuscitate victims.
All you need to do is read the instructions and follow them, so if you’re in a situation where every second counts, a standard AED allows you to quickly and effectively use it with little-to-no prior experience. Seeing as many public spaces have an AED around in case of emergencies, the biggest concern is whether the device receives proper maintenance when it's not in use.
Maintaining AED: How Often Should You Service It?
Just like any other device, an AED needs some form of maintenance to ensure it performs in tip-top condition, especially in dire situations. With that in mind, how exactly do you take care of an AED?
Aside from following the manufacturer’s instructions and replacing parts as recommended, you also need to conduct testing and inspections every three months to spot for wear-and-tear, the components' expiration dates, and generally ensure everything is in good, working order.
When You Should Replace an AED
If you’re the one in charge of maintaining an AED, you’ll need to know when to replace its parts when it’s no longer functional. For one, the device needs to be replaced if it’s more than three years old, even if most of the components are still functional.
AEDs are an expensive investment and you never want to rush the replacement process. However, if you’re seeing any of the following signs, it might be time to get a new one:
- The device has been dropped or damaged;
- The manufacturer’s parts and/or equipment are no longer available;
- You’re unable to verify that the AED is operational;
- Its internal battery has reached the end of its life;
- The AED has been stored in an improper environment;
- The AED is more than five years old and hasn’t been inspected for five years;
- You’re unable to verify the AED’s manufacturer;
Testing an AED should be done whenever you’re changing it after a proper inspection, when swapping out its battery, or whenever you’re replacing any of its parts.
What is the Standard Lifespan of an AED?
AEDs usually come with a shelf-life of three years from the date of purchase, even if the components still work perfectly. After this period, the risk of defective parts, such as the electrode pads, is higher, affecting the AED’s performance.
The shelf-life is particularly important if the device hasn’t been properly maintained, and the manufacturer is unlikely to accept any liability for the device’s performance if it has been stored improperly.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Keeping the AED Well-Maintained and Updated
The main purpose of AEDs is to help save lives, but it can only do its part if it can perform to its full potential. Aside from ensuring that the device is well-maintained and updated to allow for a longer lifespan, it’s also important to keep it stored properly to prevent the risk of failure.
How Can We Help you?
If you're thinking of ways to improve emergency action in the workplace, it's good to ensure that you have the proper devices, such as a defibrillator, ready for these emergencies.
Restart The Heart is a trusted defibrillator supplier in Australia. In addition to supplying high-quality defibrillators, we also offer AED pads and batteries, with lightning-fast delivery and impressive customer care.
Learn more about our products today!