The importance of defibrillator maintenance

Defibrillator maintenance is a critical part of your defibrillator journey.

All health and safety managers working in the facilities management industry have a duty of care to look after the safety and wellbeing of their staff.

Within many organisations, people believe that after you’ve purchased a defibrillator then that’s it. Unfortunately, this is not true.

Once you buy a defibrillator you need to maintain it. From reviewing the pads and batteries to carrying out a full health check, there are a number of regular checks that need to be done to keep your automated external defibrillator (AED) in full working condition.

Here we have listed three key defibrillator maintenance requirements for those working in the facilities management industry.

Pads and battery review

Batteries and electrode pads are marked with expiry dates that the owner must be aware of along with the readiness indicator. The readiness indicators change when the defibrillator fails its self-test. One of the key reasons defibrillators fail their self-test is due to expired accessories. Pads and batteries need to be changed every couple of years, however, they will need to be changed after use. Having multiple sets of pads ensures you're always ready to respond in the event of an emergency.

Full health check

Your defibrillator needs to be serviced once a year. The yearly health checks test the machines ability to recognise different heart rhythms and stipulate the correct action. As with any life-saving machinery, the benefits of having regular health checks will pick up any faults and ensure that the device is ready for use all year round.

Training

Your first-aid responders should receive regular training on how to use the machine properly and effectively. Ideally, these should be booked when, or just after, the device has been installed and if new members of your team have first-aid responsibilities. Plus, refresher courses are a great way to top up your skills to stop them deteriorating.

How to maintain your defibrillator with defibshop’s defibcare package

defibcare is defibshop’s very own maintenance package. We have four different maintenance levels that provide businesses with the tools to ensure your defibrillator is well-maintained and ready to use at all times.

defibshop are committed to equipping everyone with the skills and knowledge to save a life. Speak to one of our Product Specialists on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form.

FAQs

What are the key maintenance requirements for a defibrillator?

Maintaining a defibrillator involves several critical steps including checking and replacing batteries and electrode pads before they expire, performing a full health check annually to ensure the device functions correctly and recognizes different heart rhythms, and regularly updating the readiness indicators that alert you to any operational issues.

Why is it important to regularly replace the pads and batteries of a defibrillator?

Pads and batteries in a defibrillator have specific expiry dates and their effectiveness diminishes over time. They must be replaced periodically to ensure the defibrillator remains functional and ready to use. Additionally, after each use, the pads and batteries should be replaced to maintain readiness for the next emergency.

What does a full health check of a defibrillator involve?

A full health check of a defibrillator, conducted annually, tests the device's ability to accurately recognize different heart rhythms and determine the appropriate response. These checks are crucial to identify any faults and ensure the defibrillator is reliable and ready for use at any moment.

How can the defibcare package help with defibrillator maintenance?

The defibcare package offered by defibshop provides comprehensive maintenance solutions with four different levels of service. These packages help businesses ensure their defibrillators are well-maintained, with timely replacements and checks that align with industry best practices. Each level offers varying degrees of support, from basic upkeep to advanced servicing, to match different organisational needs.