AED Maintenance Checklist, Tips, and FAQs
Your AED requires proper maintenance to ensure it’s always ready for a rescue.
CONTACT A PRODUCT EXPERTWhen a bystander reaches for an automated external defibrillator (AED) during a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) emergency, it's vital that the device be ready to deliver a lifesaving shock with proper pad placement. AEDs are sophisticated medical devices designed for years of service, but they require regular inspections and periodic, basic care to stay in proper working order.
AED maintenance involves consistent visual inspections to verify the AED readiness status indicator, storage in a temperature-controlled area, and regular replacement of consumables such as batteries and pads. Consistent AED maintenance is important because it will extend the life of your AED and ensure it is ready when you need it.
Proper AED maintenance should include regular device checks for physical damage and expired batteries/pads. In addition, the status indicator light for readiness should be checked. An AED also must be stored in a visible, unobstructed location. Keep records of all maintenance activities and adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for scheduling battery and pad replacement. Follow these steps below to ensure optimal AED function:
It is important — and required in many states — to regularly inspect your AED to ensure it's in proper working order when needed for a rescue. AEDs are designed to perform rigorous self-tests and indicate the result to signal device readiness. Some beep when a problem arises, and others feature a flashing visual status indicator. Be sure to consult your manufacturer's instructions on how to inspect your device to ensure it's in good working order.
It is recommended that you perform regular monthly visual inspections — some states require even more frequent visual inspections — to ensure your AEDs are ready for use when you need them. ZOLL® AEDs perform a series of automatic self-tests that regularly verify that the internal circuitry, battery, and pads are fully functional. In addition, ZOLL AEDs all have a visual status indicator that reflects rescue readiness. It is important to note that some states require regularly documented maintenance and testing to confirm device readiness. You can check state and local guidance here to make sure that your organization is compliant.
Device longevity is impacted by the environmental conditions an AED is exposed to, making proper storage very important. AEDs come with manufacturer-recommended operating and storage temperature ranges, along with suggested humidity and pressure ranges. Always follow your manufacturer's guidelines when deciding where to store an AED in order to extend the life of the device. Also note the recommended storage temperature range for consumables that are integral to the device's successful use.
The shelf life of batteries and pads varies by manufacturer and model. Both can last anywhere from two to five years. Most ZOLL consumables have an industry-leading, five-year lifespan. Please refer to your device manual for guidance and strictly adhere to any expiration dates on consumables.
Organizations that require multiple AEDs to keep employees and the public safe will ultimately have more information to track: more consumable expiry dates, dates of any CPR/AED trainings that employees may choose to take, and other compliance matters. In those cases, we suggest using AED program management software, such as PlusTrac®. PlusTrac makes it easy to keep your AEDs inspected and in compliance with state and local maintenance requirements, your consumables up to date, your volunteer responders trained, and all your AEDs properly managed by sending status updates via email.
Regular inspections and proper care can give you peace of mind that your AED is in optimum working condition. Follow our simple maintenance checklist to ensure that your AED is ready when you need it.
| AED Maintenance Checklist | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignee | Task | Date | Status |
| Knowledge of state laws and requirements | |||
| The unit is clean, undamaged, and free of excessive wear | |||
| The green status indicator shows the AED passed its most recent self-test | |||
| The housing has no cracks or loose parts | |||
| The electrodes are present, sealed in their package, and within their expiration date | |||
| Note that some models feature connected electrodes, while others do not. Make sure yours are present as your instructions specify | |||
| All cables are free of cracks, cuts, and exposed or broken wires | |||
| The battery is within its expiration date | |||
| Your AED is stored in a safe, visible, easily accessible location at a temperature that falls within the AED manufacturer's suggested temperature range | |||
PlusTrac program management can also help larger organizations with multiple AEDs better manage their AED program compliance by tracking routine inspections performed by onsite staff, providing prompt notifications regarding battery or electrode expiration dates, and (although unlikely) immediately notifying customers of any device notices or recalls.
Are you looking to upgrade or replace your AED? Take a look at our selection of AEDs for Public Safety that will help your organization, community, or workplace be ready to respond and help save lives.
The owner or entity that acquired the AED is responsible for its maintenance. This includes a designated individual, department, or program manager who is responsible for ensuring the AED is functional, its pads and batteries are current, and its maintenance records are accurately kept.
Remote AED monitoring is a technology solution that remotely tracks the status of AEDs, ensuring they are always operational and ready for use. These solutions monitor critical AED components like battery level and pad expiration. They automatically alert designated personnel to any important maintenance issues.
This means the device is not ready for use and requires attention. Users will typically see a visual indicator like a blinking red light or a red X, and may also hear a warning sound. When an AED tests unreliable, it must be serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions.
AEDs should generally be replaced after 8 to 10 years, especially if they're no longer supported by their manufacturers or fail self-tests. However, the batteries and pads require more frequent replacement: Batteries typically last 2 to 5 years, while pads last 2 to 4 years or must be replaced immediately after use.
From a device-maintenance perspective, after using an AED, the used pads should be replaced immediately, and any other items in the responder kit should also be checked and potentially replaced. A system check must be performed on the device to ensure it's ready for use in a future emergency. The incident that involved the AED use must also be reported to your organization and the device manufacturer.
Legal requirements for AED maintenance typically include regular inspections and testing (at least biannually, or as per the manufacturer's guidelines), keeping records of all maintenance and use, and ensuring pads and batteries are within their expiration dates. Specific state and local laws, including notifying tenants of AED locations, may also apply.