An Automated External Defibrillator is a portable device used to deliver an electric shock to the heart of a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This makes the AED a life-saving tool that must be ready at all times. The device’s readiness hinges entirely on its power source, as battery failure represents the most frequent reason an AED fails to deliver therapy during an emergency. Understanding the simple maintenance checks for the lithium battery is necessary to ensure the AED is functional and prepared for immediate use.
The Quick Visual Status Check
The primary way to confirm an AED’s readiness is by observing its status indicator, a small light or icon typically located on the device’s face. This indicator communicates the results of the AED’s internal self-tests, which usually run daily or weekly. A solid or flashing green light, or a prominent green checkmark, universally signals that the AED has passed its internal checks and is ready for rescue.
If the indicator displays a red light, a flashing red symbol, a red “X,” or if the light is completely absent, the device requires immediate attention. A failure status means the AED detected an issue during its self-test, which could be related to the battery, the electrode pads, or other internal components. The presence of a red indicator means the device is not guaranteed to operate correctly in an emergency.
Verifying Physical Battery Expiration Dates
The status indicator only confirms the battery’s current charge level, not its long-term shelf life, making a physical inspection of the battery pack necessary. To check the physical expiration, locate and safely access the battery compartment, which may be secured by a latch or a panel. Lithium AED batteries typically have a standby life ranging from two to seven years, depending on the manufacturer and model.
Multiple dates may be printed on the battery unit, which can be confusing. The “Manufacture Date” is simply when the battery was produced and is not the expiration date. The “Install By” date marks the latest date the battery should be installed to ensure its guaranteed operational lifespan, which begins the moment the battery is placed into the AED.
The “Expiration Date” is the absolute last date the battery should be in use, and it must be replaced by this date even if the AED has not been deployed. For batteries that only list a manufacture or install-by date, use a permanent marker to write the installation date directly on the battery. This simple step helps accurately track the start of the battery’s operational life, which is a fixed number of years provided by the manufacturer.
Responding to Low Battery Warning Indicators
Beyond the visual status light, an AED uses audible or voice prompts to warn the user when the battery is critically low or has failed. A common sign is a constant, repetitive chirping or beeping sound, often accompanied by a flashing red light or an on-screen message like “Replace battery immediately.” These warnings mean the battery is nearing the end of its usable power and may not have enough charge to deliver a full series of shocks.
Immediate Corrective Action
Once a critical low battery warning is detected, immediate corrective action is the priority. The audible alarm should be silenced, if the device allows, to prevent distraction. Secure a replacement battery as soon as possible, as the current battery has limited reserve power. The final action is to log the battery replacement in the maintenance record, ensuring the AED is fully operational.