Is Your AED Actually Ready for an Emergency?
Our fuzzy CPR student has graduated from CPR class.
They know what an AED is. They understand CPR. They know to call 911.
Now they’re standing in the hallway looking at an AED cabinet.
“Great! We have an AED. We’re ready!”
Well… maybe.
Owning an AED and having an emergency-ready AED program aren’t necessarily the same thing.
An AED needs to be accessible, maintained and ready when an emergency occurs.
So here’s the important question:
Is your AED actually ready?
What Does AED Readiness Mean?
AED readiness means more than having a defibrillator mounted on the wall.
Organizations should know:
Where is the AED? Is it accessible? Has it been checked? Are its pads and battery within their required service periods? Is there a process for identifying problems?
If nobody knows the answers, it’s time to review the AED program.
1. Check Your AED’s Status
Many AEDs perform automatic self-tests and have a visual status indicator showing whether the device has detected a problem.
Your routine inspection should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific AED.
If the device indicates a fault, warning or other issue, don’t ignore it.
An AED is emergency equipment.
Treat readiness issues accordingly.
2. Check AED Electrode Pad Expiry Dates
AED electrode pads don’t last forever.
Depending on the manufacturer and model, pads typically have an expiry date or defined shelf life.
Organizations with multiple AEDs may be tracking dozens—or even hundreds—of different expiry dates.
A proper AED management process can help prevent expired accessories from being overlooked.
Our fuzzy inspector checks the cabinet.
“Pads?”
Check.
“Expiry?”
Check.
“Snack?”
Wrong cabinet.
3. Check the AED Battery
AED batteries also require monitoring.
Battery type, expected service life and replacement requirements vary by AED model.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and pay attention to the AED’s status indicator or warnings.
Don’t assume a battery is fine simply because the AED hasn’t been used.
4. Make Sure the AED Is Accessible
Imagine having an AED 30 metres away—but behind a locked door.
During an emergency, accessibility matters.
Organizations should consider whether the AED can be quickly reached during the times the facility is occupied.
Questions to consider include:
Is the AED visible? Is the cabinet clearly marked? Can people reach it? Do employees know its location? Is access restricted after certain hours?
An AED’s location should support the organization’s emergency response plan.
5. Make Sure People Know the AED Exists
Here’s a simple test.
Ask five people in your building:
“Where is our nearest AED?”
If nobody knows, you’ve identified a preparedness gap.
AED awareness can be incorporated into employee orientation, safety meetings, CPR training and emergency response planning.
People don’t need to memorize technical specifications.
They need to know that an AED is available and where to find it.
6. Document Your AED Inspections
Documented inspections can help organizations maintain oversight of their AED programs.
Depending on the program, records may include:
• AED make, model and serial number
• AED location
• Inspection history
• Pad expiry information
• Battery information
• Equipment issues
• Corrective actions
• Training records
• Other program documentation
This becomes especially important as an AED program grows.
Managing one AED manually might be straightforward.
Managing 10, 100 or 1,000 AEDs is a very different challenge.
7. Have a Plan After an AED Is Used
AED readiness doesn’t end after an emergency.
Following use, the AED should be assessed and returned to service according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the organization’s procedures.
That may include replacing used electrode pads, reviewing battery status, checking supplies, documenting the event and ensuring the AED is ready again.
Your emergency equipment needs to be prepared for the next emergency.
Why AED Management Matters
AED programs can become increasingly difficult to manage as organizations add devices across multiple buildings or locations.
A centralized AED management system can help organizations track AEDs, accessory dates, inspections, locations and maintenance requirements.
The objective is simple:
Know what you have. Know where it is. Know its status.
Frequently Asked Questions About AED Maintenance
Do AED pads expire?
AED electrode pads typically have manufacturer-defined expiry dates or shelf lives. Check the packaging and follow the requirements for your specific AED model.
How long does an AED battery last?
Battery service life varies significantly by manufacturer, AED model, usage and battery type. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications and monitor the AED’s readiness indicator.
How often should an AED be inspected?
Inspection schedules should follow manufacturer recommendations and any applicable organizational or regulatory requirements. Establishing routine documented checks can help identify readiness issues.
Can an AED stay in a cabinet for years without being checked?
An AED should be monitored and maintained throughout its service life. Batteries, electrode pads and other components may require replacement even if the AED has never been used.
What should I check during an AED inspection?
Check the AED according to its manufacturer’s instructions. This may include the readiness indicator, electrode pads, battery status, physical condition, supplies, cabinet and accessibility.
What happens after an AED is used?
Follow the manufacturer’s post-use procedures. The device and supplies should be assessed, used components replaced as required and the AED returned to a ready state.
Can software help manage multiple AEDs?
AED management software can help organizations centralize AED information, track locations and accessory dates, document inspections and manage readiness across multiple devices and facilities.
The 30-Second AED Readiness Question
Walk over to your AED today.
Don’t just look at the cabinet.
Ask:
Is this AED ready to help someone right now?
If you aren’t sure, find out.
AED preparedness isn’t about having equipment hanging on a wall.
It’s about making sure that equipment is accessible, maintained and ready when someone needs it.
Our fuzzy AED inspector approves.
“Now can we talk about the snack cabinet?”
Quick Answer
How do you keep an AED ready for an emergency? Follow the AED manufacturer’s maintenance instructions, regularly check its readiness status, monitor electrode pad and battery requirements, keep the AED accessible and clearly identified, document inspections and have a process for addressing equipment issues.
