An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart unexpectedly stops beating effectively. The device analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if it detects a life-threatening electrical problem, it delivers an electrical shock to help restore a normal heartbeat. Since time is the single most important factor in cardiac arrest survival, the AED must be instantly ready to function at peak performance. For every minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival decreases by approximately ten percent. This urgency establishes the necessity for constant monitoring and regular inspection of every AED unit.
Regulatory Mandates for AED Maintenance
The necessity for AED inspection is driven by legal and administrative requirements surrounding ownership. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates AEDs as Class III medical devices, and nearly all require a physician’s prescription for purchase. This classification establishes an expectation of oversight and functionality, similar to other regulated medical equipment. Maintenance often takes the form of mandated “AED program management,” which is more comprehensive than a simple physical check.
Program management ensures the device meets all federal and state standards, which often vary by jurisdiction. Compliance with state law is important because Good Samaritan laws, which protect users from liability, often require the device to be maintained according to program guidelines to keep those protections valid. Many state regulations also require a physician or medical director to oversee the program, emphasizing that the device’s readiness is a medical responsibility.
Components of a Functional Readiness Check
A functional readiness check involves specific steps to confirm the device is prepared for immediate use. Most modern AEDs perform internal self-tests daily, weekly, or monthly, but a human visual inspection remains a requirement. The most basic check is the status indicator light, which should display a green checkmark or similar signal to confirm the device has passed its internal self-diagnostic tests. A blinking red light, an audible chirp, or an “X” indicator signals that maintenance is immediately required.
A thorough inspection must verify the condition and expiration dates of consumable components, primarily the electrode pads and the battery. Pads have a limited shelf life, typically around two years, because the gel and adhesive can dry out, compromising function. The battery must be checked for its expiration date and charge level, as a depleted or expired battery is a common cause of AED failure during a rescue. Finally, the physical condition of the device, including the casing, must be visually inspected for any signs of damage, dirt, or moisture that could impair operation.
Establishing a Monitoring Schedule and Documentation
To ensure continuous readiness, a structured monitoring schedule must be established, extending beyond the device’s internal self-checks. A deep inspection is generally recommended at least monthly, which aligns with most manufacturer guidelines. This monthly check manually verifies the condition of the pads, battery expiration, and physical integrity of the unit.
Beyond the comprehensive monthly check, daily or weekly visual checks of the status indicator light are recommended, particularly in high-traffic areas. Meticulous documentation of every check, replacement, and incident is the most administrative aspect of maintenance. A maintenance log must be kept, noting the date of inspection, the status of the device, and the initials of the person responsible. Assigning a specific individual or team to manage this schedule ensures clear accountability and prevents lapses in monitoring.