|  | Public Health Safety | Emergency Preparedness

AED Maintenance Checklist

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a lifesaving device that may sit quietly for long periods of time. Whether an AED is used every single day by an emergency medical services provider or was purchased as a workplace safety measure and is never used, it has to be checked each day. The time to find an inoperable device shouldn't be the time it's needed to help save a life.

  1. Electrodes

    • Inspect the electrode package. The package should be sealed. If it isn't, the electrode adhesive can dry out. This can render the device useless because the monitor senses the heart rhythm through the electrode pads. If the monitor can't sense the heartbeat, it will continuously instruct the operator to check the electrode adhesion. Also, electrodes expire. Check the manufacturer's use-by date to confirm if a pack needs to be replaced.

    Electrode Cable

    • Locate the electrode cable. This is the cable that attaches to the monitor on one end and the electrode pads at the other end. The cable should be stored in the AED bag or case. Never wind the cable tightly, because the internal lead wires can break. Store this cable loosely layered in the AED kit.

    Primary Battery

    • The primary battery is the battery that stays in the AED when it isn't in use. Many AEDs have a self-check diagnostic function. If the device has a button labeled "test," this is the button the tester must push to run the daily diagnostic check. If there isn't a test button, power on the AED by using the "on" button. If the device readily comes on, and if the automated voice prompt instructs the tester to attach the electrodes, the battery is functioning properly.

    Secondary Battery

    • Look to assure a secondary battery is stored with the device. If there is no secondary battery in the kit, the tester has to locate it. When the AED is used for defibrillation, the battery will deplete. The secondary battery is crucial if the primary battery fails during a rescue attempt. Test the secondary battery by removing the primary battery and following the same steps used for checking the primary battery.

    DC Charging Cable

    • An AED should be plugged into a direct current power source when not in use. Keeping the device connected to a power outlet assures the device is in a state of readiness and keeps the primary battery from depleting over time. This is especially true for devices that go for long periods without use.

    Recording

    • Note if tracing paper is loaded into the AED. Not all AEDs use tracing paper. If the AED does use tracing paper, assure the paper is properly loaded by pressing the "record" button while the device is powered on. Each device has some form of recordable memory. After tracing paper, the second most common memory device is a card that pushes into a port resembling the data card for a digital camera. The recording device is usually on the side of the AED behind a small, protective door.

    Helpful Items

    • There are several nice-to-have items in the AED kit. Razors are helpful if the patient has enough body hair that the electrodes cannot stay in contact with his skin. Alcohol prep pads remove body oils that can also lead to decreased adhesion. A hand towel, wash cloth, or other dry wipe is useful for patients that are perspiring or feel clammy, which, again, can lead to a loss of electrode adhesion.

Emergency Preparedness - Related Articles