An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to deliver an electrical shock to a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This immediate action is often the only way to restore a normal heart rhythm, making the device a powerful tool for bystander intervention. The life-saving capability of an AED is entirely dependent on its readiness and proper maintenance. Scheduled maintenance is a non-negotiable procedure, as an uninspected AED is functionally useless during an emergency.
Defining Routine Daily and Weekly Readiness Checks
High-frequency checks are the first line of defense in ensuring an AED is immediately operational and accessible. Most modern AED units are designed to perform automated self-tests on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule, checking internal circuitry and battery status. Facility owners or designated staff should still perform a quick visual inspection, often daily, to confirm the device’s external readiness.
This quick check focuses on the status indicator, typically a flashing green light or icon. A green indicator confirms the AED has successfully passed its most recent internal self-test and is ready for use. A visual sweep also confirms the AED is free from physical damage, such as cracks or exposed wires. Finally, staff must ensure the device is easily accessible and not obstructed by furniture or other items.
The rescue kit, often stored with the AED, must also be present and intact. This kit typically contains items necessary for pad application, such as a razor, scissors, and personal protective equipment like gloves and a face shield. Ensuring all these components are in place means the device can be deployed without delay during an emergency.
Scheduled Monthly Inspections and Consumable Management
Scheduled monthly inspections go beyond simple visual checks, focusing on components that degrade or expire over time. This detailed procedure ensures the AED’s consumables are current and capable of delivering a therapeutic shock. Monthly checks require a thorough review of the electrode pads, which have a limited shelf life because the conductive gel can dry out.
The expiration date on the electrode pads must be checked monthly, and the pads replaced immediately before this date to guarantee conductivity. Similarly, the battery or power source has a fixed expiration date, typically between two and five years, which must be tracked. Even if the battery indicator shows a full charge, an expired battery may lack the capacity to sustain the device through a full rescue protocol.
The monthly check is also the appropriate time to review the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals. This includes initiating any required manual functional self-tests that go deeper than automated checks. Furthermore, any data downloaded following a previous use must be managed, and the unit restored to its fully ready state. This restoration process includes checking for available software or firmware updates.
Legal Requirements and Documentation Standards
The frequency of AED inspection is mandated by many state and local laws governing Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) programs. These laws require owners to establish a comprehensive AED program that includes medical oversight, training, and a specific maintenance schedule. Compliance ensures the device is not only available but also functional when needed.
Meticulous record-keeping demonstrates due diligence and compliance with these regulations. A detailed inspection log must be kept for every check, documenting the date, the inspector’s name, the status of the battery and pads, and any corrective actions taken. These records prove the device was maintained according to manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements.
If an AED is deployed, or if a civil liability question arises, maintenance logs are paramount for proving the organization met its duty of care. Documentation should also include records of user training certifications and registration of the AED with local emergency medical services (EMS). This ensures the entire AED program remains legally sound and ready for an emergency.