When Does Your Defibrillator Need Maintenance?

A defibrillator that works properly can mean the difference between a quick response and a missed chance. For families, workplaces, and public spaces, keeping an AED in good condition matters. Just having one nearby isn’t enough if the battery’s flat or the pads have expired.

Like anything with electrical parts and adhesive materials, defibrillators need a bit of care now and then. Regular defibrillator maintenance helps make sure they’re ready to work when they’re needed most. It doesn't take much time, but it makes a big difference in how confident people feel during a high-stress moment.

Pads, batteries, display alerts, and even indicator lights can wear down, run low, or be affected by heat or moisture. If no one’s looking out for those details, you'd only realise something’s wrong right when you need it to work. That's a risk worth avoiding.

How Often Should an AED Be Checked?

Quick look-overs should happen once a month. These checks help catch small issues before they turn into big ones. We recommend setting a day on the calendar, maybe synced with your fire alarm test or another routine day.

When checking your AED:

• Look for the pad expiry date and check the packaging for damage
• Make sure the battery indicator is green or marked as “ready”
• Wipe away any dust or debris that could block the status screen
• Turn on the AED briefly if it's allowed, just to check the screen or voice prompt

Some AEDs do their own internal checks, but that only helps if someone notices the alert or light has changed. If your device’s status light has changed to red or isn’t lighting up at all, it’s worth looking into before it’s needed.

Watch for signs like:

• A blank screen or error messages
• Sticky pads with dried-out adhesive
• Beeping or chirping when idle (some units beep when attention is required)

Restart the Heart supplies compatible AED pads and batteries clearly marked with expiry dates. Information on specific replacement part compatibility and visible expiry dates is always available when you’re ordering through our online store.

What Parts Need Regular Attention?

A defibrillator is simple to use, but its parts can wear out just like anything else. Most important are the pads and battery.

• Pads have expiry dates, even if unopened
• Batteries can lose charge, especially in heat or if the AED has been in use or tested recently
• Some devices have extra prompts or flashing lights if they detect a problem

Pad packs should always be sealed and within date. Peel back the outer cover slightly to check if the packaging looks right, but don’t unseal fully unless it's being used. If there’s any moisture inside or strange marks on the plastic, replace them.

Indicator lights are another key part. A solid green light usually means it’s good to go, but flashing red or no light at all means something isn't right. Keep the instruction card nearby if your device uses a light signal pattern, so no one is guessing.

Heat and moisture can shorten the life of both pads and batteries. That’s why where the defibrillator is kept matters just as much as what’s in it.

Where to Store Your AED and Why It Matters

You wouldn’t store other electronics in a damp room or under full sun all day. AEDs follow the same rules. Where you keep it makes a difference to how long its parts stay working.

Avoid these spots:

• Sheds or garages that get very hot
• Laundry rooms or bathrooms with high moisture
• Next to ovens, stovetops, or other heat sources

Ideal places include clean, dry inside walls in the hallway, staff room, front office, or just inside the main door. It should be easy to reach, visible, and free from clutter nearby. People shouldn't need to dig under boxes or move chairs out of the way to get to it.

And make sure it’s mounted properly or sitting somewhere secure. Knocks and bumps can affect battery contact or damage the outer case.

Restart the Heart recommends storing your device in a dry, cool place in the home or workplace, and keeping it with your main first aid kit whenever possible.

How Late Summer Weather Can Impact Your AED

Late February in Australia usually means warm days and hot vehicles. That heat builds up in cabinets, glove boxes, and anywhere sunlight hits hard for long hours. For AEDs stored in these spots or carried on the road, the heat can bring wear faster than expected.

The heat can:

• Drain the battery faster than usual
• Affect the gel adhesive on pads, causing issues with sticking
• Increase the chance of condensation inside cases or packs

Before we head into autumn, it’s a smart time to take stock. If your AED has been at outdoor events, work sites, or sat in the sun, a detailed check could help catch early wear.

Walk through:

• Pad expiry dates and packaging condition
• Battery charge or readiness light
• Stickers, alerts, or signs of heat exposure

Your AED should be ready each time it’s needed, not just during the cooler months. And a late-summer check is an easy way to stay ahead of problems.

Why It’s Better to Schedule Than React

Waiting until something’s wrong makes emergencies harder. We’ve seen how much calmer people are when they’ve checked all the parts in advance. The habit of regular defibrillator maintenance builds trust in the equipment, and in yourself.

Reacting in a panic feels very different from responding with control. When you're not wondering if the pads are dry or if the battery might cut out, it makes space to focus on what matters most: helping someone in trouble.

Setting a time each month or even every few months builds a routine. Before long, it’s second nature, and a lot easier than scrambling to replace expired gear last-minute.

Peace of Mind Starts with a Quick Check

AEDs are the kind of tool you hope you’ll never need. But when the time comes, everything relies on it working without delay. That's why small checks are worth doing often.

Simple actions like glancing at a battery light or replacing pads a few weeks before they expire can save you from stress later. Most of the time, it only takes five minutes.

We believe that keeping your defibrillator in good shape doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. It just needs a steady hand and someone willing to take a quick look now and then. It really does help keep people safer.

Staying on top of battery checks and pad expiry dates is a simple way to build confidence in your response plan. At Restart the Heart, we know that regular defibrillator maintenance makes all the difference when seconds matter. A quick once-over now can help avoid heat-related damage or low battery surprises down the track. Unsure whether your gear is still roadworthy? We’re happy to help, just give us a call and we’ll walk you through what to check.