Ensure Your Philips Defibrillator Is Always Ready

Defibrillators play a vital role in treating Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), increasing survival chances when used quickly. Regular maintenance ensures your Philips Heartstart HS1 or Heartstart FRx remains in optimal condition and ready for use when needed. This guide outlines key checks and best practices to keep your Philips Automated External Defibrillator (AED) fully operational.

Philips Defibrillator Maintenance Overview

Why is maintenance so important?

In a cardiac emergency, timing is everything; for every minute without defibrillation, chances of survival decrease by 10%. Maintaining your Philips AED is of paramount importance, helping reduce the risk of unexpected failures that could prevent the device from delivering life-saving treatment. Regular maintenance also helps ensure longevity, which can reduce overheads for businesses and institutions.

Maintenance Tips

Here are some general tips and advice to help keep your Philips AED working optimally.

Regular visual checks: All Philips AEDs perform self-tests on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis checking pads, circuitry and the battery for any issues. If any are detected, these will normally be communicated through a change in the readiness indicator, or audible sounds. It’s important to complete regular visual checks yourself for any wear and tear that could later impact your device’s performance.

Battery monitoring: Both the Philips HS1 and Philips FRx AEDs come with a non-rechargeable battery pack with up to four years’ lifespan. Make sure to check the battery regularly and address any issues showing on the interface immediately. Remember to check the electrode pads are properly connected also and that they have not passed their expiry date. Replace them if so.

Software updates: Make sure your Philips AED is updated with the latest software available through regular updates. These often include upgraded security features and improvements to help optimise performance.

Frequent cleaning: Cleaning and disinfection after use is important in preparing your Philips AED for the next emergency. Regular cleaning is also important to help remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could build up over time while in storage. Use a mild soap and water to clean the exterior, making sure to avoid sensitive areas.

Suggested Maintenance Process

To make maintaining your Philips AED easier, we recommend setting up a schedule, such as the following:

Daily: Check the readiness light is flashing and that the battery is functioning.
Weekly: Assess the electrode pads and wires to make sure they are properly connected. Make sure to check the pads are within their expiry date.
Monthly: Remove the device from storage and conduct a full physical inspection.
Yearly: Consider an annual service available through defibshop.

Maintenance Products to Help Look After Your Philips AED

Make sure you have all the necessary items to help maintain your Philips device:

Battery packs: The Philips HS1 and FRx Non-Rechargeable Battery offers a service life of up to four years.
Electrode pads: Available in Adult, Paediatric and Bundle packs with a shelf-life of two years.
Storage solutions: Durable Philips carry cases designed for specific models enabling safe transportation and added protection.

Maintain Your Philips AED with defibshop

At defibshop, we believe everyone - no matter their age, location, or experience - should feel prepared to save a life. To give you peace of mind and reassurance that your device is ready to go, we offer long-term maintenance support.

This includes:

Replacement pads or batteries sent directly to you when your current ones expire
Annual servicing using a device simulator to make sure your AED is working optimally
Training including e-learning to help all potential users build their confidence

Our end-to-end solution removes the burden of AED maintenance, ensuring your Philips AED remains both reliable and functional. Learn more about how we can help maintain your Philips device here, or read our latest blogs below.