How to Maintain or Replace an AED

An AED is responsible for saving approximately 1,700 people each year in the U.S. alone. Maintaining or replacing expired or out of warranty AED’s is crucial in making sure that the AED can perform its job when it is most needed. Each state has different laws on AED device placement within different buildings and facilities such as but not limited to schools, gyms, hospitals, daycare centers, and other places. Please check within your state’s laws to ensure the proper placement of devices.

Steps to ensure proper maintenance and care of an AED through routine AED checks (once monthly) to ensure no part of the device needs to be replaced. Below is a list of things to check for when checking your AED.

Check the pads

o You should check to be sure you have enough children and adult pads
o Check for the expiration date of each pad and replace any expired ones
o Expired pads may go directly in the trash

Check the battery

o Most batteries have a 4-5 lifespan, however that can decrease if the device is in extreme conditions
o Make note of the expiration date of your AED’s battery and order a new one promptly
o For battery disposal, please refer to the manufacturer of your specific AED and follow their guidelines

Check for device malfunctions

o Check the AED device indicators on a routine basis to ensure the device is running properly
o AED device indicators should be showing a green light if all parts are running properly and light a red if there is any error
o If the device does show a red light send it for service as soon as possible

Check for physical damage to the AED

o Along with checking for expired parts and malfunctions you should also be checking for any physical damage such as cracks, dents in the case, or other issues
o Never leave a damaged machine, always have it serviced if there are any signs of physical damage is that may be a sign of internal damage leading to malfunctions

Check for the device warranty

o Checking to see if your device is still under warranty is crucial as if the warranty is expired it may be time to replace or refurbish your AED

After using the AED

o Follow your AED device manufacturers instructions on the steps to take following the use of the AED
o Generally, you should replace the battery and pads once used
o You should also remove the data of the event as it includes the victim’s heart rhythm and number of shocks. This is private health information so please follow standard health privacy protection policies

Document AED device checks

o It would also be beneficial to record the information you gather during the device checks to keep track of and log the information to keep up with the maintenance and replacement of AED device parts