The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to deliver a life-saving electrical shock during sudden cardiac arrest. The effectiveness of an AED depends entirely on its readiness, which requires diligent and regular maintenance. A comprehensive testing and maintenance routine is necessary to ensure the device functions in a moment of crisis. This guide details the necessary checks and administrative steps required for immediate use.
Routine Visual Readiness Checks
The most frequent form of testing involves simple visual inspections performed daily or weekly by the end-user or facility manager. The user should first check the AED’s status indicator for operational readiness. A solid or flashing green light, checkmark, or “ready” symbol signals that the device has passed its internal diagnostic test and is prepared for use. Conversely, a flashing red light, an ‘X’ symbol, or an audible warning tone indicates a malfunction requiring immediate attention.
A physical inspection of the AED unit is necessary to ensure its integrity. The casing should be examined for visible damage, such as cracks, dents, or signs of tampering, which could impair function. Confirm that the AED is stored correctly in a clearly marked, easily accessible location, free from obstruction. The storage area should maintain a moderate temperature, as extreme heat or cold can degrade the battery and electrode pads.
Understanding the AED Self-Test Function
Automated external defibrillators perform rigorous internal diagnostics, known as self-tests, on a regular schedule, often daily, weekly, or monthly. These checks are more complex than a visual inspection, verifying the function of the internal circuitry, software, and power supply. The self-test assesses the battery’s voltage and health and confirms the integrity of the high-voltage capacitor, ensuring it can charge correctly to deliver an effective shock.
The device also tests the connection and condition of the electrode pads, ensuring the circuitry can detect heart rhythms and conduct electricity. Users verify the success of this automated testing by observing the status indicator light. A self-test failure, signaled by a red status light or an audible alarm, means the device has identified an internal problem. Immediate troubleshooting is required, often starting with checking the battery and pad connections.
Managing Consumables: Batteries and Electrode Pads
The battery and the electrode pads are the two primary consumable components. They have finite lifespans and are a leading cause of AED failure if not managed correctly. AED batteries typically have a standby life ranging from two to five years, depending on the manufacturer and model. Each battery is marked with an “install-by” date and an expiration date, which must be tracked carefully to prevent a sudden loss of power.
Electrode pads also have an expiration date, generally two to four years from the date of manufacture, printed clearly on the packaging. Expiration occurs because the water-based electrolyte gel dries out over time, compromising adhesive quality and electrical conductivity necessary for analysis and shock delivery. Pads must be replaced immediately after any use, even if a shock was not delivered. Both adult and pediatric pads, if stocked, must be checked for their expiration dates.
Required Documentation and Maintenance Logs
Maintaining a formal logbook or digital record is an administrative requirement that supports the physical maintenance of the AED. This documentation is necessary for compliance with local and state regulations and liability readiness. The log should record the dates of all visual readiness checks and the results of the automated self-tests.
The log must track the installation and expiration dates for the current battery and electrode pads. Any maintenance performed, such as service calls, software updates, or component replacement, must also be noted, along with details of any actual device use. This record-keeping ensures a clear, auditable history of maintenance, ensuring the AED program meets manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements.