Has your defibrillator gone from being silent in its storage to sounding a loud, intermittent beeping sound? Here are some things you need to know about why this could be happening. Defibrillator maintenance is important to ensure your life-saving device remains ready to rescue in the event of an emergency.
Check Your Electrode Pads
Electrode pads deliver the shock from the defibrillator to the patient during a rescue. Most defibrillator electrode pads have a shelf life of up to 2 years, this varies between different defibrillator makes and models.
When you receive your defibrillator electrode pads, they come in a sealed packet with an expiry date on so that you know when to replace them. Please do not open the packet unless in an emergency, otherwise the gel that adheres them to the body will start to dry up and not be effective in a rescue. Defibrillators test and sense if the pads are expired or if they are have a fault and then begin to beep as a warning the pads need to be replaced.
To find the date on your electrode pads look for an egg timer symbol, the date of expiry is next to this. The date is structured in the format of YYYY/MM/DD.
Make Sure Your Electrode Pads Are Connected
Your defibrillator needs its electrode pads connected at all times. This saves precious time during a rescue by allowing the responder to quickly open the pads and attach them to a patient's chest. Without quick and effective treatment, the chance of survival decreases by 10% per minute
If your pads are not connected the defibrillator will warn you about this by beeping and attracting attention to the device, so electrode pads can then be connected.
Check Your Battery
Your defibrillator is powered from its battery. Whether the defibrillator is used in a rescue or not it will still need to be replaced after time. Like electrode pads, batteries have expiry dates on the back, so it is important that these dates are recorded so the battery can be replaced before the end date to keep the defibrillator always ready for rescue.
Whilst batteries do have expiry dates, the battery may need to be changed earlier, as self-testing or colder weather can sometimes drain the battery quicker. Once the defibrillator senses a low battery, it will begin to beep as a warning that a new battery is needed.
Check the Storage & Environment
When temperatures plummet and cold frosty weather sets in, wintry weather can impact your defibrillator functions and how it performs. For optimal performance, it is recommended that your defibrillator is stored at a temperature of 0°C to 50°C.
Temperatures below 0°C can drain batteries and the gel on the adhesive pads can freeze, affecting your device performance.
To keep your defibrillator functioning during the colder months when stored outdoors for public access, you will need an outdoor heated cabinet to protect the defibrillator and keep it at the correct storage temperature.
More Information & Support
For more information or to talk about any concerns, do not hesitate to contact a team member.
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.
