The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a necessary component in the chain of survival for a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Effective defibrillation within the first few minutes of collapse significantly improves the chance of survival. Because of this high-stakes function, the operational readiness of the AED cannot be left to chance. A rigorous, organized maintenance protocol ensures the device will perform its life-saving function during an emergency.
Daily Operational Readiness Checks
The foundation of a reliable AED program is a mandatory visual inspection performed at the beginning of every shift. This rapid assessment confirms the device is present, accessible, and ready for immediate use. Visually inspect the AED unit for any obvious physical damage to the casing, cables, or connectors that could compromise its operation.
Confirming the AED’s location is correct and unobstructed ensures rapid deployment. Most AEDs perform internal self-tests and display a “ready” or “OK” status indicator, often a green light. This indicator must be verified to confirm the device’s internal systems passed their most recent automatic check.
Managing Critical Consumables
The most frequent point of failure for an AED relates to the expiration or depletion of its consumable components: the battery and the electrode pads. AED batteries typically have a stand-by life ranging from two to five years, depending on the model. Note the manufacturer’s expiration date printed on the battery and compare it with the installation date to anticipate replacement.
Rechargeable units require specific charging protocols, while non-rechargeable batteries should have a spare unit stored with the device to ensure continuous readiness. Electrode pads are time-sensitive consumables, with a shelf life usually between 18 months and five years. This variability is due to the conductive gel, which can dry out and compromise the electrical connection needed for an effective shock. Both adult and pediatric pads must be checked for expiration dates and stored within the manufacturer’s specified temperature range to preserve the gel’s integrity.
Protocol for Post-Use and Malfunction Response
Following the successful deployment of an AED, steps must be executed to return the unit to service quickly and accurately. The first action is to download the patient data, stored on the device’s internal memory or a removable data card, to preserve the rescue information for medical review. The AED must then be cleaned, disinfected according to protocol, and all used consumables must be replaced.
This replacement includes securing a fresh, non-expired set of electrode pads and installing a new or fully charged battery if the previous one was depleted during the rescue. Until this process is complete, the unit must be clearly tagged “out of service” and a replacement AED secured for the shift. If a malfunction is detected during a routine check, the device must be immediately removed from service. The malfunctioning unit should be isolated, tagged, and the supervisor or biomedical department notified for repair or replacement, ensuring the faulty device is not accidentally deployed.
Documentation and Regulatory Compliance
All maintenance activities, from daily visual checks to battery replacement, require meticulous documentation to maintain accountability and comply with regulatory standards. A log of all shift checks, noting the date, time, the name of the person performing the check, and the AED’s status, must be maintained. This log proves that routine readiness inspections are being performed consistently.
A separate, detailed maintenance log must track the specific dates of battery and electrode pad replacements, adhering to manufacturer recommendations and local medical direction. Device serial numbers should be tracked to ensure the correct unit is being maintained and to facilitate any necessary recalls or updates from the manufacturer. Adherence to mandatory inspection intervals and keeping comprehensive records demonstrates compliance and helps reduce liability.