Maintaining a Defibrillator helps extend the lifespan of your equipment and protects your investment over time. Routine defibrillator service allows you to monitor the condition of essential components, such as batteries and electrodes, preventing unexpected failures when the device is needed most. By scheduling regular maintenance, you can maximise the lifespan of your AED, ensuring it’s always ready to provide critical care in an emergency. A well-maintained AED device not only complies with safety standards but also contributes to faster, more efficient response times during cardiac emergencies.
Pads and Batteries
Do pads and batteries have a shelf life?
Yes. Both pads and batteries expire and will need replacing, even if the AED device hasn’t been used.
The typical shelf life of pads and batteries is 2 to 5 years, depending on the defibrillator model, please check your user manual, consult the product detail page on our website, or check the expiry date on your pad or battery.
As part of regular defibrillator maintenance, always monitor these components to ensure they are up-to-date. Pad and battery expiry dates are typically displayed next to an hourglass or egg timer symbol.
Can pads be reused?
No, you need to buy a new set of pads after each use. Once applied, the pads lose their adhesive and effectiveness, making them unsuitable for future emergencies. Using fresh defibrillator pads ensures accurate heart rhythm analysis and effective shock delivery when it matters most.
How do I dispose of used or expired pads?
Unused or expired electrode pads contain no hazardous material, so they can be disposed of as general waste. If the pads have been used, they may have been contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials. These should be disposed of appropriately, i.e. as infectious waste. When disposing of used and unused pads, the electrode wire should be cut.
How long do the batteries last?
Typical battery life is 2 to 5 years. However, this depends on the defibrillator model. Please check your user manual, or check the expiry date on your pad or battery. Pad and battery expiry dates are typically displayed next to an hourglass or egg timer symbol.
How do I dispose of used or old batteries?
Batteries should be disposed of safely (not in household waste). Most local supermarkets have a used battery collection point. Alternatively, contact your local council for advice on the safe disposal of used batteries in your area. Proper disposal is a small but important part of ongoing defibrillator service routines.
How long do the batteries last?
Typical battery life is 2 to 5 years. However, this depends on the defibrillator model. Please check your user manual, or check the expiry date on your pad or battery. Pad and battery expiry dates are typically displayed next to an hourglass or egg timer symbol.
How do I dispose of used or old batteries?
Batteries should be disposed of safely (not in household waste). Most local supermarkets have a used battery collection point. Alternatively, contact your local council for advice on the safe disposal of used batteries in your area. Proper disposal is a small but important part of ongoing defibrillator service routines.
Defibrillator Servicing
Do I need to service the Defibrillator?
Yes, servicing your defibrillator is vital. While many models run self-checks, you should still inspect your device regularly, especially the batteries, pads and overall readiness. Always follow the user manual, but don’t wait for an alert-proactive maintenance ensures your defibrillator is always ready to save lives.
How would I know if there were a problem with the Defibrillator?
All AED defibrillators that we sell self-test on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis – so the device would signal with a flashing light or audible alert if there was a problem, such as pads not correctly connected or a low battery. Defibrillators also run through a self-test when activated, before use.
How often do I need to test, and is it easy to do?
We suggest you inspect the defibrillator regularly to ensure the pads are in date and the battery hasn’t expired. Use the defibrillator checklist to help.
Information from the memory chip
Do I have to download information from the memory chip if a Defibrillator is used on a patient?
It depends on the type of defibrillator you purchase as to how the information is downloaded, but this will be fully explained in the operator’s manual provided with each device.
For models that support data tracking, downloading post-use data can be an important part of professional defibrillator maintenance and review.
Secure peace of mind with our trusted Defibrillator Maintenance plan designed to keep your AED device fully operational and rescue-ready at all times. Protect your investment, ensure compliance, and safeguard lives with scheduled servicing, battery checks, and replacement pads tailored for every environment.
