As you’re probably well aware, in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, every second counts and early defibrillation can significantly increase a person’s chance of survival.
That’s why it is so important to make sure that your defibrillator is always well maintained and complies with safety standards to ensure faster, more efficient response times during a cardiac emergency.
It’s also worth noting that a well-maintained defibrillator will last longer and stay in good condition.
Maintaining your defibrillator
Even though every defibrillator comes with a user guide explaining how you should look after it, a regular schedule of routine defibrillator maintenance will allow you to monitor the condition of your device’s essential components.
You also need to ensure that you know the expiry dates of the electrode pads and batteries, how to check for faults, and whether your defib has been used. This is where The Circuit can help.
The Circuit
When you register your defibrillator on the National Defibrillator Network, you’ll be sent regular reminders to carry out checks and replace electrode pads when needed.
The Circuit also enables NHS ambulance services to locate defibrillators across the UK quickly, ensuring they can be accessed rapidly in an emergency.
Defibrillator maintenance checklist
It’s important to service the defibrillator regularly, especially the batteries and pads, to be certain your device will always be ready to work at full efficiency.
Even if your model runs self-checks, you should still inspect it by following the user manual. This might offer daily, weekly and monthly checks, and may have different self-tests, during which a fault will make a sound, show a flashing light or display an error message.
In addition, you should physically check your defibrillator for any obvious signs of damage or use. Ensure all accompanying items are present, such as a prep kit (typically including scissors, a face shield, a razor, gloves, and wipes).
As noted above, check the expiry date on the pads and batteries; these typically have a shelf life of between 2-5 years, even if the defibrillator hasn’t been used, and replace them if they’re out of date.
Check your user manual or the expiry date on your pads and batteries to learn when they need replacing.
It’s also advisable to have a set of replacement pads and batteries available when the current set nears their expiry date. This will prevent your defibrillator being out of service whilst you source replacements.
Cost of maintaining a defibrillator
Electrode pads can only be used once, after which they’re no longer adhesive. They may also have been contaminated and should be disposed of.
You’ll need to buy a new set in order to ensure accurate heart rhythm analysis and effective shock delivery. (Unused or expired pads can be disposed of as general waste.)
Battery life depends on which model of defibrillator you have. (But remember to dispose of batteries safely rather than as household waste.)
Pads and batteries from AEDdonate
At AEDdonate you’ll find all the equipment you need to maintain your defibrillator and keep it fully operational and rescue-ready at all times.
From defibrillators to pads, batteries and other lifesaving accessories, every purchase you make supports our mission. 100% of the profit from AEDdonate goes straight back into funding our charitable work, placing defibrillators, raising awareness, and saving lives in local communities.
