Does Defibrillator Need Servicing?

Do Defibrillators

Need Servicing?

A defibrillator or Automated External Defibrillator (AED), is an essential life saving device for any workplace or club, having an AED on hand can increase the chance of survival in a serious incident or Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) by up to 80%. 

To help you ensure your defibrillator is always ready to work as it should, the team at First Aid Accident & Emergency (FAAE) has created a helpful guide on correct defibrillator maintenance and servicing, this easy to follow checklist is an inclusion with every FAAE defibrillator package:

The Importance of Defibrillator Maintenance

AEDs save lives, but they only work when properly maintained. Devices from First Aid Accident & Emergency (FAAE), including models from Stryker, are designed to require minimal upkeep, but this does not mean they don’t need regular checks. Self-check features built into these devices can alert users to issues, but these systems are not foolproof.

Regular inspections are essential to ensure your AED functions correctly during an emergency. Imagine needing to use a defibrillator only to discover it’s not operational – this highlights the importance of routine maintenance.

What Makes FAAE Defibrillators Stand Out?

Defibrillators offered by FAAE are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and designed to be user-friendly. They perform internal self-checks regularly to ensure optimal performance.

While these self-checks are beneficial, they do not replace manual inspections. Many users may assume that once they purchase a defibrillator, it will remain in working order without further attention, which is far from the truth.

Understanding the Mechanisms

Most modern AEDs, including those from FAAE, are equipped with sophisticated technology enabling them to perform internal self-checks. These checks assess the operational status of the device, including battery power, pad readiness, and overall functionality.

If an issue is detected, the device usually signals the user with audible alerts or indicator lights. Although valuable, these features should be supplemented with manual inspections to ensure thorough readiness.

Defibrillator Self Checks:

All of the FAAE defibrillators are Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved devices and are specifically designed to be able to operate without a great deal of upkeep or regular maintenance. Our Defibrillator Range from Stryker performs internal self-checks to identify any issues. If a problem is detected, the defibrillator will alert the user with a beeping sound, signaling the need for immediate servicing by our team.

Depending on the make and model of the defibrillator, the self-checks will be carried out on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Although most modern defibrillators perform these self-checks, it’s still recommended that you perform your own regular inspections to ensure the defibrillator is ready to go.

Inspecting your defibrillator will only take a few minutes and it will provide you with the reassurance that you’ll always be prepared for a medical emergency.

There have been examples of where a defibrillator has been deployed and the device is flat! Our first aid trainers endeavour to check the AED’s when onsite for a training course and will report cases to the client where the AED has expired pads or batteries, missing prep kits or simply locked in a cupboard and not reasonably accessible.

As part of the First Aid Code of Practice, you must ensure your AED is kept in good working order and reasonably accessible for everyone in the workplace.  Check your relevant state’s First Aid Code of Practice for more information.

As part of our Defibrillator Bundles, you will receive a monthly checklist covering the things you should be checking regularly to ensure your Defibrillator is kept in good working order.  Some of the checklist items we provide are:

• Checking the electrode pads and battery for expiry dates
• Checking the AED is still showing the correct indicator light or display for use
• Checking defibrillator case and accessories including the patient prep pack for razor, shears and face shield
• Checking the wall or hard case cabinet to ensure it is accessible and in good working order 

Replacing Defibrillator Pads and Batteries:

The most common cause of a defibrillator failing is usually because of a flat or expired battery. Defibrillator batteries are not rechargeable and once these batteries expire, they must be replaced. All Defibrillators will require a battery and Pad replacement every 2-5 years (check your defibrillator for its expiry date).

As part of our five star customer service, FAAE offers an 8 year warranty and after sales service on all of our defibrillators.  Once you purchase a defibrillator from us, our team will set you up in our system and will send a reminder email letting you know of the pad and battery expiration date for your device.

The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games – medical team, rated our defibrillators, delivery and service 5 STARS.

Our 100% Australian defibrillator experts are also happy to talk you through the defibrillator pad and battery replacement procedure and help you to do a system check to ensure your defibrillator is ready to operate in an emergency situation.

*First Aid Accident & Emergency takes no responsibility for any lapse in battery or pad expiry dates or invalid contact details. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure proper defibrillator servicing and maintenance as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Defibrillator Checklist:

It’s important to inspect any other accessories or parts of your defibrillator such as the Electrodes or Pad pack. The electrodes or pads are used to stick to the chest of a patient and deliver the shock if needed, the pads have an expiry date and will perish over time, so the pads also must be replaced once they expire.

Defibrillators vary and have different life spans on the pads and batteries, so it’s important to ensure you know when your consumables should be replaced. The defibrillator specialists at FAAE recommend that you keep an accurate record on these dates and we can provide you with guidance for this procedure.

For expert advice on defibrillator maintenance and servicing—contact the team at First Aid Accident & Emergency. Our online shop is stocked with a range of defibrillator accessories including Electrode pads packs and battery replacements. To learn more about defibrillators or to brush up on your first aid skills—book a course today.

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