An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can mean the difference between life and death in emergencies like sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). However, even the most advanced AED is only as reliable as its maintenance routine. Proper AED maintenance ensures the device functions flawlessly when needed most.
Whether your device is deployed in schools, churches, gyms, homes, or businesses, this comprehensive guide will help you understand essential maintenance practices, manufacturer-specific recommendations, and actionable tips to keep your AED ready for action
Why Is Maintenance of an AED So Important?
Expired or damaged supplies can lead to delayed shocks, incorrect heart rhythm analysis, or complete device failure. Regular AED maintenance ensures:
- Reliability: The device performs optimally during emergencies.
- Safety: Properly functioning pads deliver effective shocks, while fresh batteries power the AED.
- Compliance: Many states and organizations mandate AED upkeep as part of regulatory requirements.
- Durability: Regular checks extend the device's lifespan, protecting your investment.
Key AED Components: Pads and Batteries
While AEDs are complex medical devices, routine maintenance primarily revolves around two crucial components: electrode pads and batteries.
- Electrode Pads: These adhesive pads are placed directly on the patient's bare chest. They are essential for analyzing the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivering the defibrillation shock. The pads contain a conductive gel that facilitates this process.
- Batteries: The battery powers the AED, enabling it to perform self-tests, analyze heart rhythms, charge its capacitors, and deliver the electrical shock. Without a functional battery, the AED is useless.
Electrode Pads: Things to Consider
AED electrode pads are single-use items with a limited shelf life, typically around two years from manufacture. Understanding why they expire and need regular replacement is crucial for effective AED maintenance.
- Expiration: Even if the package remains sealed, the conductive gel on the pads can dry out over time. Dried-out gel compromises adhesion to the skin and reduces the effectiveness of shock delivery. Using expired pads can lead to failed analysis or insufficient energy transfer.
- After Use: Pads must be replaced immediately, whether a shock was delivered or not. Once the packaging is opened and the pads are applied to a patient, they are considered used and potentially contaminated. They cannot be reused.
- Adult vs. Pediatric Pads: Most AEDs require different pads for adults and children (typically under 8 years old or weighing less than 55 lbs / 25 kg). Pediatric pads deliver a lower energy dose suitable for smaller bodies. Ensure you have the correct pads for your expected patient population and know their expiration dates. Some models, like the Philips HeartStart FRx, use a pediatric key with adult pads.
AED Battery: Things to Consider
The battery is the heart of your AED. Like any battery, it has a finite lifespan and requires periodic replacement as part of your AED maintenance schedule.
- Lifespan and Replacement Intervals: AED batteries typically last between 2 and 7 years, depending on the manufacturer and model. This is often called the "installed life" or "standby life." Manufacturers specify precise replacement intervals that must be strictly followed.
- Environmental Impact: Storage conditions, particularly extreme temperatures (hot or cold), can significantly shorten battery life and affect performance. Always store your AED and its spare battery according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Risks of Depletion: An expired or depleted battery may prevent the AED from powering on, performing self-tests, analyzing the heart rhythm accurately, or delivering a shock at the required energy level. This completely undermines the purpose of having an AED.
- Self-Tests: Most modern AEDs perform regular self-tests (daily, weekly, monthly) to check battery status and other critical components. These tests often consume a small amount of battery power, which is factored into the expected lifespan. A failing self-test is a clear indicator that maintenance is required.
Manufacturer-Specific Maintenance Guidance
Different AED manufacturers have unique specifications for their devices. Below are the recommended replacement intervals for pads and batteries for models from leading brands. Always confirm these details with the user manual specific to your device model
1. Philips Healthcare
Model: HeartStart OnSite (HS1)
- Adult Pads (M5071A): Replace every 2 years or after use.
- Pediatric Pads (M5072A): Replace every 2 years or after use.
- Battery (M5070A): Replace every 4 years.
Model: HeartStart FRx
- Adult Pads (989803139261): Replace every 2 years or after use.
- Pediatric Key (989803139311): Reusable; no replacement interval.
- Battery (989803139301): Replace every 4 years.
2. Zoll Medical
Model: AED Plus
- CPR-D Padz (Adult - 8900-0800-01): Replace every 5 years or after use.
- Pedi-Padz II (Pediatric - 8900-0810-01): Replace every 2 years or after use.
- Battery: Uses 10 consumer Duracell Type 123 Lithium Batteries. Replace all 10 every 5 years.
Note on Zoll R Series: While the provided details focus on the AED Plus, hospital-grade devices like the Zoll R Series AED maintenance involve more complex checks, including cable testing, system diagnostics, and calibration, typically performed by biomedical technicians according to a rigorous schedule outlined by Zoll.
3. Cardiac Science
Model: Powerheart G3
- Adult Pads (9131-001): Replace every 2 years or after use.
- Pediatric Pads (9730-002): Replace every 2 years or after use.
- Battery (9146-302 - IntelliSense Lithium): Replace every 4 years.
4. Physio-Control (now part of Stryker)
Model: LIFEPAK CR Plus / EXPRESS
- Adult Pads/CHARGE-PAK Kit (e.g., 11996-000017): Replace every 2 years or after use (Kit includes battery charger/trickle charger).
- Pediatric Pads (Reduced Energy - 11101-000017): Replace every 2 years or after use.
Note: The CHARGE-PAK system links the battery and pads replacement cycle.
5. Defibtech
Model: Lifeline AED / Lifeline AUTO
- Adult Pads (DDP-100): Replace every 2 years or after use.
- Pediatric Pads (DDP-200P): Replace every 2 years or after use.
- Battery (5-year - DCF-200): Replace every 5 years.
- Battery (7-year - DCF-210): Replace every 7 years. (Check which battery your unit has).
6. HeartSine
Model: Samaritan PAD 350P / 360P / 450P / 500P
- Pad-Pak (Adult - PAD-PAK-01 or PAD-PAK-07): Replace every 4 years or after use.
- Pediatric-Pak (PAD-PAK-02): Replace every 4 years or after use.
Note: HeartSine uniquely combines the battery and electrode pads into a single cartridge (Pad-Pak). The expiration date applies to both components simultaneously.
After an AED Use: Critical Steps
If your AED is deployed in an emergency:
- Replace Pads: Discard used electrode pads immediately. Install a new, unexpired set.
- Check Battery: Note the battery usage during the event (some AEDs indicate this). Assess if the battery needs replacement sooner than scheduled.
- Data Download: If required by local protocols or your organization's policy, download the event data from the AED for medical review.
- Clean: Wipe down the AED exterior according to manufacturer instructions.
- Restock: Replace any items used from the AED readiness kit.
- Return to Service: Ensure the AED passes its self-test and displays the readiness indicator before placing it back in its designated location.
- Report: Follow your organization's incident reporting procedures.
Partner with American Hospital Supply for AED Readiness
Maintaining your AED shouldn't be a challenge. American Hospital Supply (AHS) is here to support your AED maintenance program. We provide top-tier AEDs, replacement parts, and expert support to simplify your maintenance journey.
FAQ
How do I check the expiration date on AED pads?
The expiration date is almost always clearly printed on the outside of the sealed pad packaging. Look for a "Use By" date or an hourglass symbol followed by a date.
What happens if I use expired pads or batteries?
Using expired components significantly increases the risk of AED failure. Expired pads may not adhere properly or conduct electricity effectively. Expired batteries may not provide enough power for analysis or shock delivery. This could lead to the AED not working correctly during a critical emergency, potentially costing a life.
Can I use any brand of pads or batteries with my AED?
No. It is crucial to only use pads and batteries that are specifically approved by the manufacturer for your particular AED model. Using non-approved or third-party supplies can void the warranty, cause the AED to malfunction, and compromise patient safety. Compatibility is key.
Note:
This blog is intended solely for educational purposes. Any information related to medical supplies and personal healthcare should be considered general information, not professional medical advice. American Hospital Supply recommends consulting your doctor regarding any medical treatments or therapies referenced. American Hospital Supply does not make representations or warranties regarding the information relating to products or healthcare decisions referenced within this blog.
