Do unopened accessories expire?

Do unopened accessories expire?

when does your aed expire

If you manage an Automated External Defibrillator, you know that pads have an expiration date for the following reasons:

  • The adhesive gel that is necessary to make good contact with the victim’s skin dries out overtime. If the gel dries out, the pads will not remain on the victim while CPR is being administered and reduces the chances that the AED will be able to provide an accurate analysis.
  • The conductive material that connects the pads to their cords and is necessary to send electrical shock to the victim’s heart corrodes overtime. If the conductive material corrodes, the pads will not be able to send a shock to the victim.

One recurring question we get asked is, “Why do AED pads have expiration dates?” Many of our customers do not understand why these medical items should come with a use-by date. But what if the accessories are unopened? Do they still need to be replaced?

Let us ask you a question. Would you drink expired milk that is unopened? Of course not!  The same principle holds true for AED Pads.  If you don’t follow the date on unopened pads, you may go to use your AED during an emergency and cost someone their life. We have had customers who call with heart wrenching stories that could have easily been lifesaving stories, but they were depending on expired accessories. We hope you do not make the same mistake. Make sure that you keep your supplies up-to-date so that they can be used to perform their lifesaving abilities.

If you still have questions about your AED, or supplies, you can always leave us a comment, give us a call at 800-580-1375, or email us at customerservice@aedbrands.com

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