An AED maintenance checklist

An automated external defibrillator (AED) can restart a heart in sudden cardiac arrest, but only if it works the moment someone opens the cabinet. Most AED failures come from expired pads, dead batteries or a unit that has quietly been showing a fault for weeks. A short, regular check, done by a named person and recorded, is what keeps an AED ready.

Why maintenance matters

AEDs are built to test themselves, and most run automatic self-tests and show a status indicator. That does not remove the need for a person to look. The indicator only helps if someone sees it, and the self-test cannot check whether the pads in the case are expired, whether the cabinet alarm works or whether the unit has been moved. A maintenance program fills those gaps.

Set up the program

• Name a responsible person for each AED, and a backup
• Keep an inventory: location, make, model, serial number, pad and battery expiry dates
• Keep the manufacturer's instructions for each model, including its recommended checks
• Register the AED with the manufacturer so you receive recall and safety notices
• Register with your local or provincial AED registry where one exists, so 911 dispatchers can direct callers to it
• Set calendar reminders well before pad and battery expiry dates

Routine readiness check

Do this check at the interval the manufacturer recommends, and many organizations choose weekly or monthly. It takes a couple of minutes:

• Status indicator shows the AED is ready, with no warning lights, beeps or error messages
• AED is in its usual place, and the cabinet and signage are visible and unobstructed
• Cabinet opens easily, and the cabinet alarm works if fitted
• Case and unit are clean, dry and undamaged
• Adult pads are in the case, sealed, and within their expiry date
• Paediatric pads or a child key are present, if your site has them, and within date
• Battery is installed, within its expiry or install-by date, and shows adequate charge where the unit reports it
• A spare set of pads is on hand, and a spare battery if the manufacturer recommends one

Rescue kit

Most AEDs are stored with a small kit of supplies that help a rescuer prepare the chest. Check that it contains:

• Trauma shears to cut through clothing
• A razor to remove chest hair where pads will not stick
• A towel or wipes to dry the chest
• Disposable gloves
• A CPR barrier mask or face shield

Periodic and annual tasks

• Replace pads and batteries before their expiry dates
• Install software or firmware updates if the manufacturer issues them, using their procedure
• Review recall and advisory notices from the manufacturer and Health Canada
• Check that cabinet alarms, signage and any monitoring connection work
• Review the placement: has the building layout, occupancy or staffing changed?
• Confirm enough people are trained in CPR and AED use, and that training is current
• Review the year's records and any uses of the AED

After the AED is used

1. Hand over to paramedics and give them the AED if they ask; it may hold data about the event.
2. Follow the manufacturer's procedure for downloading or preserving event data, and any reporting requirements of your provincial or local program.
3. Replace the used pads, the rescue kit supplies and the battery if needed.
4. Check the unit with a full readiness check before returning it to service.
5. Offer support to the people who responded; it can be a stressful experience.
6. Review what went well and what could be better, as part of your emergency response plan.

Records

Keep a simple log for each AED, either on a tag in the cabinet or in a central system: the date of each check, who did it, the result and any action taken. Records show the program is working, help catch missed checks and support you if the AED is ever questioned after use. Some provinces and programs have specific record requirements, so check what applies.

Rules in Canada

AED requirements vary. Some provinces have legislation on public access AEDs, registration or Good Samaritan protection for people who use them. Occupational health and safety first aid rules, and some municipal or sector requirements, may also apply. Check the rules in Alberta, BC, Ontario or wherever your site is. For choosing locations, see where to place an AED.

How ehZee can help

Our AED inspections check each unit's readiness, pads, batteries, rescue kit, cabinet, signage and records, and report what needs replacing or fixing. We can help you set up an inventory and inspection routine across multiple sites.

Common questions