In order to save lives, AEDs need to be maintained in perfect working condition at all times. One of the critical responsibilities of a facility that keeps one or more defibrillation devices on hand is ensuring they are visually inspected regularly. Knowing whether an AED needs to be repaired or replaced is vital, which is why Gumbo Medical, LLC has prepared this list of five signs that it may be time to replace your AED.
- Age Of Device
- Visible Damage
- Presence Of Active Recalls
- Malfunctioning Device
- Neglected Device
1. Always Know The Age Of Your Device
How often should you replace your AED? Most portable defibrillation devices have a warranty of five to eight years. After that time, it could be difficult to find batteries, pads, and other spare parts. Even if your older device still appears to be functioning properly, once it’s out of warranty, it’s probably time to send it in for refurbishment or shop for a replacement.
2. Look For Signs Of Visible Damage
When performing a visual inspection of a portable defibrillator, look for signs of visible damage. Cracks, significant wear and tear, or water damage are indications that you need to either replace the AED or send it to a certified technician to be repaired or refurbished.
3. Check For Active Recalls
Several scenarios could result in a manufacturer recalling AEDs. In some cases, affected devices aren’t required to be removed from service, and you may receive instructions to carry out corrective action in-house. However, if your device is part of a recall in which the device is possibly defective or poses a health risk, you’ll need to remove it from the field and follow the plan of action in the manufacturer’s recall policy.
4. Determine If Your Device Is Malfunctioning
Depending on the model, each AED should have one or more indicator lights that show whether or not it’s in working condition and ready to use. If a light is flashing red or not working at all, then you have a problem. It’s possible that a battery needs to be replaced; a red light could also indicate a problem with the internal circuitry. Some AEDs also emit a chirping sound when something’s not right.
5. Don’t Attempt To Use Neglected Devices
All organizations that keep AEDs on hand are responsible for inspecting and testing the device, and you need to keep a strict log to document inspections and checks. If an AED is just left on a shelf to collect dust, it could fail to operate correctly when necessary. In this case, it’s better to replace an old, unmaintained device or send it to a maintenance company for repair or replacement.
Do You Have An AED Maintenance Plan?
Not all malfunctioning AEDs need outright replacement. When purchasing new or refurbished portable defibrillators, you should consider sourcing from a reliable medical technology distributor that offers maintenance plans, like Gumbo Medical, LLC. Within the Las Vegas area, we offer documented electrical and safety testing for AEDs and other medical devices, as well as repair and restoration services. If your facility isn’t located in Las Vegas, we can help locate qualified biomedical technicians to service your devices.
Refurbished AEDs Can Save Money & Lives
Let Gumbo Medical, LLC be your trusted source for used medical equipment purchases and maintenance plans. You can browse our website to see what we currently have in stock, call us, or use our online contact form to find out how we can help you save lives with high-quality, fully-functional used AEDs and defibrillators.