A growing number of locations have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available for public use, and with good reason.
Research shows that if someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest receives defibrillation within three to five minutes, their survival rate can be as high as 50 to 70 per cent.
However, each minute that defibrillation is delayed reduces the chances of survival by approximately ten per cent. So, having an AED nearby is only one factor. That AED also needs to be in good working order and accessible easily.
Bearing this in mind, how should you store an AED?
There are three main factors to consider:
- Protection from weather and extreme temperatures
- Degradation of essential parts
- Accessibility in an emergency
Protection from weather and extreme temperatures
An AED should never be left open to the elements, because this will risk damaging the machinery and leaving it unusable in an emergency.
Instead, it needs to be properly protected from the weather if it is located outside a building. This is why investing in a dedicated defibrillator storage cabinet, that can be mounted on a wall, is advisable.
These cabinets are resistant to corrosion and will protect the defibrillator from dust, moisture and dirt. Ideally, ensure your cabinet is mounted to a wall outside of direct sun, because extreme heat can damage the battery or electrodes.
Degradation of essential parts
Even if your defibrillator is stored correctly, over time certain parts like its battery and pads will naturally degrade. If your defibrillator is stored incorrectly, this will accelerate the process.
That could mean that your defibrillator doesn’t work properly in an emergency. Or it may simply mean that you need to replace the pads and battery more frequently than you could if the defibrillator was better protected.
Accessibility in an emergency
A defibrillator is only useful in an emergency if you can find it and access it quickly – remember that every minute counts in the event of a cardiac arrest. You therefore want a defibrillator cabinet that is clearly marked and easy to access.
However, you have to balance accessibility with security, especially if your AED will be left in an area open to the public.