90-95% of all Sudden Cardiac Arrests are fatal due to a lack of available or effective treatment. The decision to purchase a defibrillator is one that could save lives. 

There are many factors to consider when thinking about purchasing a defibrillator, but it's also important to think about the responsibilities that come with owning a defibrillator. 

Guardian Responsibility

Every defibrillator should have a 'Guardian'. This is someone who is responsible for carrying out regular checks on the device and cabinet if applicable. 

A defibrillator guardian ensures the defibrillator remains in a ready to rescue state at all times and acts on any problems to do with the device and its consumables. 

The guardian responsibilities for the defibrillator that lie with the guardian of the unit include:

• Regular checks to ensure the defibrillator is functioning and will operate when needed
• Ensuring electrode pads are in date
• Replacement of batteries
• Ensuring that if the unit is used, it gets checked and replaced with new pads after it has been used

Both electrode pads and batteries have expiry dates that vary depending on the make and model of the defibrillator. Pads only need replacing at the end of their shelf life unless they are used prior to this date as they are single-use only. It is the responsibility of the Guardian to be aware of when to order replacements. Our article shows you where to find your defibrillator's expiry dates and serial numbers.

At defibshop, we assist defibrillator guardians through our FREE reminder service. Our expiry reminders will alert you that a set of pads or a battery is due to expire. The responsibility to keep track of multiple dates and locations ultimately lies with the defibrillator guardian. 

Newer defibrillators, such as the LIFEPAK CR2 and the ZOLL AED 3 include Program Management software that reports on the consumable’s expiry dates and readiness of the device. This is ideal for managing a fleet of defibrillators across multiple sites. We also offer defibcare packages to further assist with the maintenance of multiple defibrillators.

Defibrillator Checklist

To ensure your defibrillator remains in working condition, there are several checks that should be carried out by the defibrillator guardian on a regular basis.

Download our Defibrillator Inspection List to record all inspections carried out on your unit.

Weekly Checks

1. Check the defibrillator is inside the cabinet
2. Check the status indicator on the defibrillator is displaying green and/or a tick

Monthly Checks

1. Check the consumables and that the pads are in date (if the expiration is approaching, place an order for a new set of pads)
2. If applicable, remember to check spare sets and paediatric pad dates too
3. Check the items in your Rescue Kit are present (razor, face mask etc.)
4. Check the battery is okay
5. If the defibrillator is stored in a cabinet, the keypad lock or hinges may need spraying with WD40 or similar

After Use of Defibrillator

1. Recover the defibrillator to ensure it can be found again in its usual place
2. Reorder electrode pads
3. Reorder a rescue kit if necessary

Reasons you need to be responsible for any defibrillator(s) purchased from defibshop

Whilst we assist defibrillator Guardians through our reminder service, the defibrillator guardian should know when they need to replace the pads and batteries on their defibrillator(s). 

• You may have used different suppliers for your defibrillator and consumables. We won't have traceability on any items not bought from us
• When pads are reordered separately to the defibrillator, our system will recognise that a purchase has been made on your account but we have no way of  knowing which defibrillator the new pads are associated with
• The location of the defibrillator may change at some point after the purchase has been made without our knowledge
• The defibrillator may not have a fixed location due to transport usage
• Companies with multiple sites may order to one address and forward to other sites, causing us to lose traceability 
• We are not always notified when new consumables are attached following the use of a defibrillator

Maintaining your defibrillator is just as important as owning one, to ensure the device is able to provide effective treatment in a cardiac emergency. 

Is your defibrillator registered with The Circuit?

The Circuit - the national defibrillator network, connects defibrillators to NHS ambulance services across the UK so that they can be accessed quickly in an emergency to help save lives. Many defibrillators don't get used because emergency services don't know where they are or how to access them. Register yours today.

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.