The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a life-saving device for sudden cardiac arrest victims. Device functionality is paramount in emergency medical services (EMS), as delays significantly impact patient outcomes. Ensuring the AED is fully operational is a core professional responsibility for every emergency medical technician (EMT). Readiness is achieved through systematic checks, proactive parts management, and rigorous administrative oversight, preventing device failure during a critical incident.
Immediate Readiness Checks
The physical integrity and functionality of the AED should be confirmed at the start of every shift or before deployment. A rapid visual inspection ensures the device casing is intact and free from cracks or damage. All cables and connectors must be securely attached to the unit, confirming no frayed wires or loose components are present.
Necessary accessories are also verified during this check, including a rescue kit containing shears, a razor, and a towel. The AED’s status indicator light must be checked; a green checkmark or solid ready symbol confirms the device has passed its internal self-tests. Any warning light or failure indicator, such as a flashing red symbol or an audible chirp, demands immediate removal from service and reporting to a supervisor.
Consumable Tracking and Replacement
The most common cause of AED failure in an emergency is the depletion or expiration of consumable components, specifically the batteries and electrode pads. These parts have a finite shelf life set by the manufacturer that must be strictly tracked. Ignoring these dates means the conductive gel on the pads may dry out, leading to insufficient electrical contact with the patient’s skin, or the battery may not deliver the necessary energy for a shock.
AED batteries typically have a standby life ranging from two to five years, while electrode pads generally expire between 18 months and five years. The expiration date is clearly marked on the packaging and must be logged into a tracking system to schedule proactive replacement. It is also necessary to ensure the appropriate adult and pediatric pads are present, as using the wrong size could compromise the effectiveness of the delivered shock.
Standardizing Documentation and Reporting
Maintaining a formal readiness log is essential for systemic quality assurance and accountability. Every inspection, battery replacement, and pad change must be meticulously documented. The log must include the date, time, and the initials of the performing technician. This record, whether paper or electronic, provides an auditable history of the device’s maintenance.
If an AED displays a failure indicator or is physically damaged, the unit must be immediately isolated from service, and the malfunction must be reported. These detailed records are necessary for regulatory compliance and are used in quality improvement reviews to identify systemic issues and prevent future failures. After any use on a patient, the AED’s internal case records must be downloaded and integrated into the patient care report.