AED Maintenance: Why First Aid Servicing Saves Lives

When it comes to medical emergencies, every second counts. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can mean the difference between life and death when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest. What many businesses and organisations don’t realise is that simply having an AED on site isn’t enough. Without proper maintenance and servicing, there’s no guarantee your device will work when you need it most.

AEDs are designed to be user friendly and reliable, but like any piece of medical equipment, they have components that can expire, degrade or fail over time. Pads and batteries have a shelf life. If they’re not replaced before their expiry date, the AED may not function properly in an emergency. Even something as small as a low battery warning left unchecked can render the unit useless. Regular servicing ensures these issues are identified and fixed well before they put lives at risk.

When an AED isn’t maintained, several things can go wrong. Expired pads or batteries mean the device can’t deliver a life saving shock. Software updates may be missed, leaving the AED out of step with current standards. Units kept in busy workplaces, vehicles or outdoor areas are also at risk of physical damage or dust build up. On top of this, organisations may face compliance issues if their AED isn’t serviced, potentially affecting insurance or workplace safety obligations.

The benefits of regular servicing go beyond compliance. It gives people confidence that the AED will be ready to use at a moment’s notice. It extends the lifespan of the device and ensures it performs exactly as intended in an emergency. For workplaces, schools and clubs, it also brings peace of mind knowing that they are taking active steps to protect lives rather than relying on chance.

Manufacturers generally recommend AEDs be inspected monthly and serviced at least once a year, with pads and batteries replaced before they expire. Professional servicing goes beyond a quick visual check and provides full testing, component replacement and compliance reporting, ensuring the AED is always emergency ready.

Owning an AED is a powerful step toward protecting your workplace, school or community. It’s regular maintenance and servicing that transforms that investment into true preparedness. Don’t leave it to chance, because when sudden cardiac arrest strikes, seconds matter, and your AED must be ready to save a life.

Take action today, enquire about our servicing plans and how we can help here