Simple Checklist to Maintain Your Defibrillator

17 Jul

Defibrillators, also known as automated external defibrillators (AEDs), are designed to be low-maintenance medical devices. However, regular checks are essential to ensure they remain ready to use in an emergency.

When a cardiac arrest occurs, every minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 10%. Maintaining your defibrillator properly can significantly improve response readiness and survival rates.

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Did you know?
According to the British Heart Foundation, fewer than 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK. Immediate CPR and defibrillation can more than double survival chances.

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Many AED units perform automatic self-tests. Even so, organisations including the Resuscitation Council UK and St John Ambulance recommend visual checks and scheduled maintenance to identify issues that automated tests might miss, such as expired pads or cabinet damage.

In this guide, you will find a straightforward checklist covering daily, monthly, and annual maintenance tasks, along with legal considerations and tips on proper storage.

Contents

• Regulatory & Employer Responsibilities (UK Focus)
• Daily and Weekly Basic Checks
• Monthly Consumables Review
• Annual Professional Servicing
• Environmental and Placement Considerations
• Creating and Logging Your Maintenance Checklist
• Post-Use Procedure
• FAQs and Common Mistakes
• Conclusion
• Sources

Regulatory & Employer Responsibilities (UK Focus)

In the United Kingdom, there are no legal obligations for individuals to own or use a defibrillator. However, once a defibrillator is installed, certain responsibilities apply, especially for businesses and organisations.

Workplace Regulations

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require employers to ensure that any work equipment, including defibrillators, is:

• Suitable for use
• Maintained in a safe condition
• Inspected regularly to prevent deterioration

This means workplaces must regularly check AEDs and keep documented evidence of maintenance checks.

MHRA Guidance

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommends regular visual checks, routine servicing, and maintaining consumables within expiry dates. The MHRA also advises registering defibrillators with The Circuit, the UK’s national defibrillator network.

Resuscitation Council UK Recommendations

The Resuscitation Council UK states that AEDs must always be ready to use. This includes:

• Checking the status indicator
• Ensuring electrode pads and batteries are in date
• Replacing consumables after every use

Failure to maintain a defibrillator could result in device failure during a cardiac emergency, potentially increasing liability risks for organisations.

Daily and Weekly Basic Checks

Daily and weekly inspections are simple but essential to ensure that your defibrillator remains ready for use at any time.

Daily Visual Checks

• Status Indicator Light: Green indicates readiness; red indicates a fault
• Audible Alerts: Check for warning beeps
• Physical Damage: Inspect unit and cabinet
• Accessibility: Ensure clear and visible access

Weekly Checks

• Clear signage and instructions
• Cabinet clean and functional
• Suitable environmental conditions

Observation:
In public locations, AED cabinets often gather dust or debris. Including a quick wipe-down in weekly checks can prevent obstruction of the status indicator.

Monthly Consumables Review

Pads

• Check expiry dates (2–5 years)
• Keep spare pads where possible
• Check paediatric pads if required

Batteries

• Check expiry dates
• Respond immediately to low-battery alerts

After-Use Considerations

• Replace pads and batteries immediately after use
• Dispose of batteries via approved recycling routes

Annual Professional Servicing

An annual service ensures your defibrillator remains in peak condition and compliant with guidance.

• Full diagnostics and internal testing
• Firmware updates where applicable
• Verification of pads and batteries
• Inspection of cabinets and accessories
• Service certificate issued

Environmental and Placement Considerations

Indoor Storage

• Clean, dry location
• Avoid heat sources and direct sunlight

Outdoor Storage

• Weatherproof cabinet (IP65+)
• Heated cabinet if temperatures fall below 0°C

Accessibility

• High-visibility location
• Clear access routes
• Standard green AED signage (ISO 7010)

Creating and Logging Your Maintenance Checklist

A structured maintenance checklist ensures consistency, compliance, and readiness.

Download our example checklist

Tools for Record Keeping

• Paper-Based Logs: Suitable for smaller organisations
• Digital Logs: Spreadsheets with reminders
• National Networks: Register with The Circuit

Sample Checklist Entry

Date: 17 July 2025
Check Performed By: J. Smith
Status Light: Green
Pads Expiry: 03/2027
Battery Expiry: 11/2026
Cabinet Condition: Good
Additional Notes: Cleaned cabinet exterior

Post-Use Procedure

• Inspect device and cables
• Replace pads and batteries
• Clean the unit
• Confirm ready status
• Log the incident

Common Maintenance Mistakes

• Expired pads
• Poor storage conditions
• Missing maintenance logs
• Blocked or locked access

Wrapping it Up

Maintaining a defibrillator requires simple, regular checks. Following a structured routine improves compliance, readiness, and safety.

Sources

• British Heart Foundation
• Resuscitation Council UK
• St John Ambulance
• UK Parliament Research Briefings
• GOV.UK