AED Maintenance: Essential Checklist for Keeping Your Device Ready

Automated external defibrillators save lives during cardiac emergencies, but only when they’re properly maintained and ready for use. An AED that fails during a critical moment because of expired pads, dead batteries, or missed inspections represents a tragic preventable failure. Understanding what AED maintenance involves and establishing consistent inspection routines ensures your life-saving equipment performs when someone’s survival depends on it.

Why AED Maintenance Matters

AEDs are sophisticated medical devices designed for reliability, but they still require regular attention to remain rescue-ready. Unlike equipment you use daily where problems become immediately obvious, AEDs may sit unused for months or years between emergencies. This infrequent use means maintenance problems can develop unnoticed until the moment you need the device most.

The consequences of AED failure during emergencies are severe. Cardiac arrest victims lose approximately 10% survival chance for every minute without defibrillation. If your AED doesn’t work because of preventable maintenance issues, you’ve lost the critical minutes that determine whether someone lives or dies. This responsibility makes consistent maintenance not just recommended but ethically essential.

Liability concerns add another dimension to maintenance importance. Organizations providing AEDs assume responsibility for keeping them functional. If someone dies because your poorly maintained AED failed, you face potential legal consequences beyond the moral weight of preventable death. Documented maintenance programs demonstrate your organization took reasonable steps to ensure AED readiness.

Understanding AED Components That Require Attention

Modern AEDs are designed for minimal maintenance, but several components need regular monitoring. Understanding what requires attention helps you develop effective inspection routines.

Batteries power your AED and typically last two to five years depending on the model and usage. Most AEDs include battery status indicators that show remaining charge. However, these indicators depend on periodic self-tests the AED performs automatically. If the device hasn’t been powered on recently or self-tests fail, battery indicators may not reflect actual status.

AED electrode pads have limited shelf life, typically two to three years from manufacture. The adhesive gel that allows pads to stick to a patient’s chest and conduct electrical signals degrades over time. Expired pads may not adhere properly or conduct effectively, compromising defibrillation success. Each pad package is clearly marked with an expiration date that must be monitored.

Rescue accessories including razors for shaving chest hair, scissors for cutting clothing, gloves, and CPR face shields also have expiration dates or can be depleted through use or unauthorized access. These items are essential for proper AED use but easy to overlook during inspections.

The AED cabinet or storage case protects the device from environmental damage, theft, and tampering. Cabinets with alarms alert nearby people when someone retrieves the AED, bringing additional help during emergencies. These systems require their own maintenance including battery replacement for alarm systems and verification that cabinets open properly.

Monthly Inspection Checklist

Establishing a monthly inspection routine catches problems before they compromise AED readiness. These inspections take just minutes but provide critical assurance your device remains functional.

Start by visually checking the AED’s status indicator. Most modern AEDs include lights or displays showing device readiness. A green light or checkmark typically indicates the device passed its most recent self-test and remains ready for use. Yellow or red indicators signal problems requiring immediate attention. Document the status during each inspection.

Verify the electrode pads haven’t expired. Check the expiration date printed on the pad package and ensure it’s still current. If pads expire within two months, order replacements immediately to ensure you have new pads before current ones expire. Never use expired electrode pads even if the AED indicates readiness.

Inspect the AED for any visible damage including cracks in the case, damaged cables, or signs of moisture intrusion. AEDs are rugged devices but physical damage can compromise internal components. Any visible damage requires professional evaluation before the device should be relied upon.

Verify that all rescue accessories are present and up to date. Verify razors, scissors, gloves, and face shields are in the AED case and haven’t expired or been removed. Replace any missing or expired items immediately.

Ensure the AED storage location remains appropriate with clear signage, unobstructed access, and protection from environmental extremes. Verify no one has moved furniture, equipment, or supplies that block access to the AED or obscure directional signs.

Document each inspection including date, inspector name, findings, and any corrective actions taken. This documentation demonstrates your maintenance program’s consistency and provides records for regulatory compliance or liability protection.

Annual Comprehensive Maintenance

Beyond monthly inspections, annual comprehensive maintenance ensures long-term reliability. This deeper evaluation should be performed by trained personnel familiar with your specific AED model.

Battery replacement follows manufacturer guidelines, typically every two to five years. Even if the battery indicator shows charge remaining, batteries approaching end-of-life should be replaced proactively. Battery failure is the most common AED malfunction, and replacement costs are minimal compared to the risk of device failure during emergencies.

Complete electrode pad replacement should occur before expiration dates, ideally with several months buffer. Order replacement pads as soon as current pads enter their final year to ensure new pads arrive before old ones expire. Some organizations maintain spare pad sets to eliminate any gap in readiness.

Professional service inspection by qualified biomedical technicians or manufacturer representatives provides the highest level of assurance. These inspections include comprehensive testing beyond what self-tests verify, evaluation of all components, and verification the device meets manufacturer specifications. Some AED models require periodic recertification that only authorized service centers can perform.

Software updates improve AED performance and ensure devices reflect current resuscitation guidelines. The American Heart Association updates resuscitation protocols periodically, and AED manufacturers release software updates incorporating these changes. Verify your AED has current software and update it when manufacturers release new versions.

Creating a Maintenance Program

Successful AED maintenance requires organizational commitment and clear responsibility assignment. Designate specific individuals responsible for monthly inspections and ensure they receive proper training. Create backup inspectors who can maintain the schedule during vacations or sick leave.

Develop a maintenance calendar with specific inspection dates scheduled in advance. Use digital reminders, calendar invitations, or facility management software to prompt inspections. Automated reminders reduce the risk of forgotten inspections during busy periods.

Establish supply ordering procedures with adequate lead time. Know where to purchase replacement batteries, electrode pads, and accessories before you need them. Many organizations establish relationships with AED suppliers who provide automatic notifications when components approach expiration.

Maintain comprehensive documentation of all maintenance activities. Many organizations use maintenance logs attached to AED cabinets or digital tracking systems. This documentation proves compliance with regulatory requirements and demonstrates your commitment to AED readiness.

When to Replace vs. Repair

AEDs have finite lifespans typically ranging from 7 to 10 years depending on the model. As devices approach this age, replacement often makes more sense than continued maintenance.

Technology improvements in newer AEDs justify replacement even when older devices remain functional. Modern AEDs include better voice prompts, faster shock delivery, improved analysis algorithms, and enhanced connectivity features. Upgrading provides better tools for saving lives while ensuring compliance with current standards.

Repair costs approaching 50% of new AED prices indicate replacement makes more economic sense. Devices requiring major repairs often develop additional problems shortly after, making the repair a temporary fix.

At AED Brands, we provide comprehensive AED programs including device sales, training, and ongoing maintenance support. Our service contracts ensure your AEDs receive timely battery and pad replacements, regular inspections, and immediate assistance when problems arise. Whether you’re installing your first AED or managing a multi-location program, we help ensure your devices remain ready to save lives when every second counts.