As we ease out of lockdown and consider returning to the workplace, it's important to pay attention to your defibrillators which are likely to have been neglected over the past year or so, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. During this time, it is possible that electrode pads and/or batteries may have expired, causing your device to fail its self-tests.
Maintaining your defibrillator is just as important as it is to own one to ensure it remains in a ready to rescue state, able to provide a life-saving shock if required.
Things to Consider
One reason for self-test failures is expired accessories. Without in-date accessories, your defibrillator may be unable to provide life-saving treatment in an emergency.
Pads & Batteries are marked with expiry dates that the defibrillator “Guardian” has the responsibility of noting alongside the readiness indicator’s status. Readiness indicators change when the defibrillator fails its self-test. Readiness indicators vary depending on which device you have; it is either a green or red disk, a tick, a cross or a flashing light. Owners should refer to the defibrillator manual to determine their device’s indicator. If the status changes, the defibrillator requires attention.
More than 1,000 Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) deaths have previously been linked to the failure of a defibrillator. Battery failure accounted for almost one-quarter of these failures. Problems with pads and connectors also accounted for reasons why defibrillators were unable to provide treatment in a cardiac emergency.
According to the Resuscitation Council, there are approximately 60,000 cardiac arrests in the UK each year, 90-95% of which are fatal. A shock from a defibrillator and effective CPR is the only definitive treatment for SCA.
As well as a change in readiness status, your defibrillator will also alert you if there is a problem by bleeping. Find out more by visiting the Troubleshooting section of our Resource Centre.
When you return to the workplace or any establishment with a defibrillator located on the premises, it would be a good idea to carry out visual checks on the units you have, even if they are not bleeping.
- Check the expiration date on your defibrillation pads
- Check the expiration date on your battery
The expiry dates are typically found on the back of the product, either next to the egg timer symbol, or near the factory icon.
Whether or not you have purchased your defibrillator or accessories from us previously, we can still remind you when your products are coming up for expiry with our FREE reminder service.
Get Your Defibrillator Serviced
Here at defibshop, we offer an Annual AED Service for anyone who owns a defibrillator, whether it was purchased from us or not. During a defibrillator service, one of our expert team members will attend your premises to carry out comprehensive visual and physical checks on your defibrillator to ensure it's in full working condition.
More Information
For more information or advice on topics surrounding defibrillators and Sudden Cardiac Arrest, visit our Resource Centre or get in touch with a member of the team.
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.
