Defibrillators are among the most important ambulance accessories, delivering an electric shock to someone who has had a cardiac arrest to return their heart rhythm to normal. 

Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, as they are otherwise known, are portable devices, so they can be easily carried to the scene, and provide medical assistance as soon as possible. 

A person can only last a few minutes without their heart beating before they suffer from brain damage, as oxygen is unable to reach their brain cells. 

Having CPR and AED immediately can, therefore, increase the chance of survival by as much as 70 per cent. 

Therefore, it is very important that a defibrillator is used as soon as possible, the first aider knows how to use it, and that it is still in a good condition. 

Is the AED out of date?

AEDs typically last around ten years, so if you have one in your place of work or community that is older than this, it is worth checking its expiry date and possibly investing in a new one. 

However, their batteries and electrode pads do not last as long as this, and generally need replacing every two to four years. This is because the battery can lose power over time and the gel on the pads can dry out and they become less sticky. 

If the battery or pads are older than this on your unit, it is important to get new ones, as you would not want to go to use it in an emergency only to find that it does not work. This could cost someone their life. 

It is essential to have a set of pads ready to replace the old ones, so buy new models ahead of the expiry date. 

How to maintain your AED

To ensure the AED is always in a good condition, it is sensible to register it on The Circuit, which sends regular reminders to get the device checked when necessary. 

It is also wise to check it every so often by doing a self-test to ensure all the functions are fully operational. This test could be done daily, weekly or monthly and will give you peace of mind. 

The British Heart Foundation also recommends wiping the AED or cabinet with a damp cloth when you check it, as this will remove any build-up of dirt and keep it working well.