Maintenance and Service of my AED

What are you responsible for?

You are responsible for keeping the AED up to date such as:

• Replacing AED Batteries and AED Pads before expiration dates
• Responding to alerts
• Keeping the unit visible and accessible

AED Solutions provides an operator’s monthly maintenance checklist which will outline everything you need to do in order to keep the AED in rescue ready mode. We also offer email notification upon pads and battery expiration dates.

What else do I need to maintain?

The AED performs automatic self-tests and displays a readiness indicator (ASI)

• Flashing green light or green checkmark means everything is working accordingly
• Flashing red light or red X or beeping means something is wrong and contact AED Solutions to troubleshoot
• Any failure triggers a loud alert and a red flashing indicator

Where should I store an AED?

Visibility and access are key.

• Use a wall- mounted cabinet or bracket (Used Heated Cabinet if outdoors) 
• Add clear signage and mark the location on floor plan
• Place in central area where access is easy and fast

Do AEDs require calibration or programming?

Modern AEDs are maintenance friendly. They perform daily self-tests and do NOT require a manual test/calibration.

Daily self-tests would entail:

• Verify components such as Pads and Batteries
• Internal electronics

How do I clean my AED Safely?

Cleaning should be done carefully and only when necessary:

• Use a soft cloth and a mild detergent or approved disinfectant
• Avoid spraying cleaners directly onto the unit
• Never submerge or soak the AED

Please follow your AED user manual for model specific cleaning recommendations.

Why do AED pads expire?

AED pads expire because the gel adhesive degrades over time. Expired pads may not stick properly or deliver an effective shock, which can affect the outcome during an emergency.

1. Gel Deterioration
   1. Dry out: Decreases stickiness and jeopardizes contact
   2. Loss of effectiveness: Faulty attachment can prevent the AED from reading the heart rhythm and delivering an electrical shock
2. Conductive Materials
   1. Pads contain electrodes and conductive materials that can degrade and affect the strength of the shock
3. Testing and Guidelines
   1. The manufacturer provides expiration dates based on many hours of testing to ensure all requirements and safety standards are met. Using the pads after the expiration dates can heighten the failure
4. Storage
   1. Proper conditions matter; pads should be placed in a room-temperature area. Very hot, cold, or humid temperatures can increase pad material degradation

How long are AED Pads good for after the expiration date?

Expired pads should be replaced upon their expiration dates, as failure after that date is possible. That said, the pad may function after the expiration date. There is a grace period between 6-to- 8 months during which you can use the expired pads. Manufacturers will recommend keeping expired pads with the AED if on back order while waiting for replacement. AED Solutions can be your supplier for anything, especially replacement pads.

Do Pad Need to Touch Bare Skin?

Yes, Proper skin contact is essential. Pads must be placed on a bare, dry skin in order to:

• Analyze the heart rhythm
• Determine if shock is advised
• Deliver an effective shock

A Rescue Kit should always be with an AED as it includes a razor to remove hair, alcohol wipes to dry the chest and other items to help during an emergency.

How should I dispose of AED Pads?

Non-Used or Expired AED Pads: Pads can be disposed of in regular waste, as they are not hazardous and do not require special instructions. If you prefer to recycle the pads, you can also do that. Find your local recycling facility, and they can help you out.

Used AED Pads: The pads could be contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids and should be treated as bio-hazardous waste. The pads should be placed in a bio-hazard bag and disposed of according to medical waste guidelines.

Unintended Reuse: To ensure the pads are not being reused, the electrode wire should be cut before disposal or to keep for visual purposes only.

How often should I change the battery?

Battery life can vary depending on the manufacturer and battery rating. Most AEDs use lithium batteries that last 2–7 years in standby mode. Units used frequently may require more frequent battery replacement. The AED will alert users when battery replacement is needed. Follow manufacturer guidelines and replace them before expiration or install by date. It is crucial you know your AED Battery expiration date/ install by date.

AED Battery Maintenance Tips from AED Solutions

• Track the battery date: Write down “Manufacturing Date”, “Install by Date” or” Expiration Date”. If your battery has either “Manufacturing Date or Install by Date”, write down when you installed the battery
• Inspect Regularly: Follow our monthly maintenance checklist to ensure your AED is in “Rescue Ready” Mode
• Recycle Batteries: AED Batteries contain Lithium which must be recycled and NEVER thrown away
• Replace on Schedule: Ensure your AED is always up to date and stay ahead of expiration date
• Monthly Maintenace Checklist.