End of AED Life - what do you do?

What does ‘End of Life’ mean for my defibrillator?

End of life, when referring to a defibrillator, means a specific AED model is discontinued by the manufacturer, and the company no longer provides support for that particular unit.

Following this, the discontinued unit’s core accessories, such as electrode pads and batteries, will follow suit and will no longer be available to repurchase after a specified time period.

 

Does this mean I need to buy a new defibrillator?

When your AED is at the end of it's life, you don't necessarily have to purchase a brand-new unit, but you do need to be aware that further maintenance for the device may become more difficult in the future and the brand will eventually stop supporting the device.

An AED can only be in a state of readiness when all components are functioning correctly following a self-test and if the defibrillator is equipped with a fully charged battery and a fresh set of electrode pads designed to work with the device. If this upkeep is no longer possible your AED may not be able to be used in a cardiac emergency. If you have any concerns about the availability of consumables it may be worth investigating newer AED models that suit your needs and budget.

 

New accessories

Should you decide to purchase a new unit, the compatible accessories will be required to ensure your AED can be used effectively and is ready to be used in an emergency.

Almost all accessories come with a shelf life and will require replacement during the life of your AED. Electrode pads commonly have a shelf life of around 2 years, with batteries holding a similar expiry; thanks to the defibshop free reminder service, you can be alerted when your accessories are due to be replaced, giving you plenty of time to restock on your unit’s vital accessories. To sign up for this service, simply call 0161 776 7422 to log your accessories’ expiry dates with us.

 

What’s the easiest way to repurchase an AED?

If you’ve decided to replace your End of Life AED, we advise you to consider whether your previous unit met all your needs and whether you would like to go for something similar, or something completely different.

Were you able to carry out maintenance easily for your device? Did the design make it visible enough for bystanders? Consider these questions and your budget before deciding on which AED will be best suited to your environment.

As an independent supplier, we pride ourselves on providing impartial advice to help you find the right make and model to suit your needs; you can get in touch with the team direct by calling 0161 776 7422.

 

Anything else?

Once you’ve made your decision whether to twist or stick with your original device, whether it’s brand-new or not, it is vital you ensure that your AED is stored in a location that is visible and easily accessible in an emergency. 

We recommend AEDs be stored in a central location to your environment as this will allow it to be retrieved quickly in an emergency, ensuring the casualty is treated promptly, giving them the best chance of survival. 

A simple weekly check of both your battery and electrode pads will help ensure your device is ready to be used at a moment’s notice. All AEDs are equipped with a readiness indicator to confirm it is ready for use. We recommend nominating a staff member to take responsibility of the AED unit and ensuring its upkeep is maintained regularly, so it is always ready to be used in an emergency.  

If you would like any further information regarding AEDs approaching their End of Life, their End of Warranty or would like to discuss purchasing a replacement AED, please feel free to contact our friendly and knowledgeable team by calling 0161 776 7422. Alternatively, you can email savealife@defibshop.co.uk to raise any questions or concerns you may have regarding your device.