The answer is absolutely yes; you should ensure that an AED or Defibrillator has a regular servicing routine. So, let’s look at the reasons behind this and why it is much more than just another bill to pay.
The Self-Test Routing
The AED or defibrillator is a clever piece of kit, and it will run self-diagnostics each day to make sure it is ready for service should you need it. Let’s face it the outcome of having a defib that fails when a patient has a medical emergency could be catastrophic, so they run comprehensive self-tests. If something looks off because you can see a flashing light that isn’t usually there or you hear an intermittent chirping noise, your AED is trying to tell you there is a problem, so don’t ignore it; book a service right away.
What Could Be Wrong
When the device highlights a problem, it doesn’t mean that it is condemned to the scrap heap - in fact, far from it. We can fix many minor issues at a service that ensures the unit remains on standby and ready to help when needed. Here are some common reasons the defib unit starts trying to attract your attention.
- The battery needs replacing
- The pads reached their expiry date
- The device is being stored in a location that is too cold or too hot
- There is a mechanical error
- There is an electrical or Software error
What We Do During a Service
Even if the unit is not displaying any errors, it is still advisable to arrange a regular service. Our team of qualified technicians will run complete diagnostic health checks that include:
- Updating software to the latest Resus Council Guidelines
- Test to confirm the energy output is correct
- Full inspection for damage and wear
- A thorough clean of all parts
- Battery and pad health and expiry checks - replacing where needed
- Correct battery disposal if required (they don’t go in the general waste)
- Reporting back on all findings, creating a full-service history.
How Often Should I Have the Unit Serviced?
We recommend that your AED/defibrillator be serviced annually. Of course, if the lights come on and it starts chirping, you should take immediate action. The self-tests it carries out are great, but there is a need for more in-depth investigations. Remember this is electricity passing through the patient to correct heart rhythms, so we need to be confident it is calibrated correctly. Our tests look at how it recognises the different heart rhythms and how it correlates this to the correct diagnosis and subsequent action.
How Long Does a Defib Last?
As long as Defibs are check regular and serviced annually if outside their warranty then they can last for decades, and do, which means more defibs in the community saving lives.