AED Check: How to Complete This Monthly Safety Inspection

Why AED checks matter

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. When it does, every minute without defibrillation reduces survival chances by approximately 10%. An AED in the hands of a bystander, used within the first few minutes, can mean the difference between life and death.

AEDs are designed to be simple — voice instructions guide even untrained users through the process. But an AED can only save a life if it is:

• Present and accessible — Not locked away, not moved, not obstructed
• Ready to use — Powered on, passed self-test, showing ready status
• Properly equipped — Electrode pads in date, battery charged, accessories present
• Functional — No damage, no defects, no problems that prevent operation

AEDs are low-maintenance devices — they do not need daily attention. But they do need regular verification that they remain ready. An AED that has sat unchecked for years may have:

• Expired electrode pads — The conductive gel dries out over time; expired pads may not function
• Depleted battery — Batteries have finite life; a dead battery means a dead AED
• Undetected faults — Despite self-testing, problems can develop
• Missing accessories — Rescue kit items may have been borrowed or lost
• Changed circumstances — Moved, obscured, or rendered inaccessible

Monthly checks catch these problems before a cardiac emergency reveals them.

The stakes

Cardiac arrest is not rare. Someone in your building could collapse tomorrow. If your AED does not work:

• The person will receive no defibrillation until paramedics arrive
• Every minute of delay reduces survival probability by 7-10%
• Average ambulance response times are 7-15 minutes
• Without defibrillation, survival from witnessed cardiac arrest drops to single digits

An AED check takes five minutes. That five minutes could be the difference between "survived" and "died."

Legal and regulatory context

While AEDs are not legally required in most workplaces, once you have one, it must be maintained in working order.

In the UK, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require that first aid equipment (which includes AEDs where provided) be adequate and appropriate. The Resuscitation Council UK recommends that AEDs be checked regularly.

In the US, state laws vary — some require AEDs in certain settings (like gyms and schools), others encourage but do not mandate them. Where AEDs are installed, maintenance requirements typically apply.

Throughout Europe, Australia, and other jurisdictions, the principle is consistent: if you have an AED, you must maintain it. Many AED schemes (community programmes, registration schemes) require regular documented checks.

From a liability perspective, an unmaintained AED that fails during use exposes the organisation to significant legal risk.

Frequency and timing

Standard frequency

AEDs should be inspected at least monthly. This is the minimum frequency recommended by AED manufacturers and resuscitation organisations worldwide.

Most AEDs perform daily or weekly automatic self-tests, but these do not replace visual inspection by a person.

What AEDs self-check (and what they do not)

Modern AEDs run automatic tests checking:

• Internal circuitry
• Battery capacity
• Ability to deliver a shock

They display a status indicator (typically green = ready, red/flashing = problem).

AEDs cannot self-check:

• Whether they are accessible
• Whether electrode pads are present (some models) or in date
• Whether rescue kit accessories are present
• Physical damage to the device
• Environmental conditions affecting the device

Monthly human inspection covers what self-testing cannot.

Best timing

Choose a consistent day each month. Many organisations combine AED checks with other monthly first aid equipment inspections.

AEDs are often checked at the start of the month, creating a clear schedule.

How to complete the check

1. AED location

Record where the AED is located. This ensures every device is tracked.

Why it matters:

Many buildings have multiple AEDs. Recording the location ensures each device is checked and creates a maintenance history. In an emergency, people need to know exactly where to find the AED.

What good answers look like:

• "Reception — wall mounted by main entrance"
• "First floor — opposite lift lobby"
• "Sports hall — inside main door, right side"
• "AED-01" (if using a numbering system)

How to answer this for yourself:

Use identification that would allow anyone to find the device:

• Building area or room name
• Specific location within that area
• Reference to fixtures (wall mounted, in cabinet, etc.)

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• "AED" — Which one? Be specific
• "By reception" — More specific location within that area helps
• Inconsistent naming — Use the same identifier each month

Best practices to follow:

• Create a list of all AED locations
• Mark locations on floor plans
• Ensure AED locations are part of first aid training
• Consider registration with ambulance services or community AED schemes
• Number devices if you have multiple (AED-01, AED-02, etc.)

2. AED inspection

Systematically check all aspects of the AED that ensure it is ready for use.

Why it matters:

An AED is only useful if it works when needed. This checklist verifies every element that contributes to readiness.

What good answers look like:

Every item should be checked and ticked if satisfactory. Items you cannot tick require immediate attention.

How to answer this for yourself:

Work through each item:

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AED in designated location and accessible

The AED should be exactly where it is supposed to be, easily accessible to anyone who needs it.

Why this matters: In a cardiac arrest, seconds matter. Searching for a misplaced AED wastes critical time. Barriers to access delay use.

What to look for:

• AED in its designated position
• Location clearly signed
• No obstructions blocking access
• Anyone can reach it without keys or special access

Common issues: AED moved during events or construction. Access blocked by furniture or equipment. Cabinet locked (unless break-glass or code is clearly displayed). Signage obscured.

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Cabinet/case undamaged

The protective housing for the AED should be intact.

Why this matters: Cabinets protect AEDs from environmental damage and keep all components together. Damaged cabinets may mean damaged contents.

What to look for:

• Cabinet or case intact
• Door opens easily
• No damage to seals or latches
• Any break-glass panel intact (if fitted)
• Temperature appropriate (AEDs have operating temperature ranges)

Common issues: Cabinet damaged by impact. Break-glass panel broken and not replaced. Door does not close properly. Cabinet placed where temperature extremes occur.

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Status indicator shows ready (green light)

Most AEDs have a status indicator showing the result of self-testing.

Why this matters: The status indicator summarises the AED's readiness. A green light (or equivalent) means the device has passed its most recent self-test. Any other status requires investigation.

What to look for:

• Green light or "ready" indicator showing
• No warning lights or alerts
• Display screen (if fitted) showing normal status
• No error messages

Common issues: Status indicator showing fault. Battery low warning. Electrode pad warning. Device completely off (no indicator showing).

Important: If the indicator shows anything other than ready, the AED may not function in an emergency. This requires immediate action.

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Battery indicator shows adequate charge

AED batteries have finite life. The battery indicator shows remaining capacity.

Why this matters: A dead battery means a dead AED. Battery depletion develops gradually; regular monitoring catches it before the battery fails completely.

What to look for:

• Battery indicator showing adequate charge
• No low battery warning
• Battery install date known and within expected life

Common issues: Battery charge low. Battery life exceeded. Battery indicator not visible or unclear. No record of when battery was installed.

Battery life: Depending on the model, AED batteries last 2-7 years (standby) or provide 200+ shocks. Check your manufacturer's specifications.

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Electrode pads present and in date

Electrode pads are the contact points that deliver the shock. They have a limited shelf life.

Why this matters: Electrode pads contain conductive gel that dries out over time. Expired pads may not adhere properly, may not conduct effectively, and may not deliver a shock when needed.

What to look for:

• Adult pads present in the device
• Pads within expiry date (check the packaging)
• Packaging intact (not opened or damaged)
• Paediatric pads present if your AED requires separate paediatric pads

Common issues: Pads expired. Pads missing. Packaging opened or damaged. Wrong type of pads.

Pad life: Most electrode pads have a shelf life of 2-4 years. The expiry date is printed on the package.

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Spare pads available (if required)

Some organisations keep spare pads with the AED.

Why this matters: If pads are used (or if primary pads are found to be expired), having spares immediately available means the AED can be quickly made ready again.

What to look for:

• Spare pads present (if your protocol requires them)
• Spare pads within expiry date
• Spare pads correctly stored

Note: This is not universal — some organisations rely on ordering replacements. Check your local protocol.

Common issues: Spare pads expired. Spare pads used to replace expired primary pads but not reordered.

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AED signage visible

The AED location should be clearly signed so anyone can find it.

Why this matters: In an emergency, people need to find the AED quickly. Standard green and white defibrillator signage is internationally recognised.

What to look for:

• AED sign (green heart/lightning bolt symbol) visible
• Directional signs guiding people to the AED from key areas
• Signs not obscured
• Signs visible from the approaches people would use

Common issues: Signs missing or fallen. Signs obscured by posters or notices. Signs pointing to old location after AED moved.

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Rescue kit present (razor, scissors, towel)

AEDs work best when pads are applied to bare, dry skin. A rescue kit helps prepare the patient.

Why this matters:

• Razor — To shave excessive chest hair that prevents pad contact
• Scissors — To cut away clothing quickly
• Towel — To dry wet skin for better pad adhesion

What to look for:

• Razor present
• Scissors present
• Towel or paper towels present
• All items in good condition

Common issues: Items borrowed and not returned. Razor blade rusty or used. Scissors missing. Towel dirty.

Additional items: Some rescue kits also include gloves and a CPR face shield. Check that your kit contains what your protocol requires.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Trusting the green light without other checks — Self-test does not check pad expiry or accessory presence
• Not checking pad expiry — Pads expire; check the date every month
• Ignoring battery warnings — Low battery warnings mean replacement is needed soon, not eventually
• Assuming someone else checked it — Monthly check must be done and documented

Best practices to follow:

• Check the actual pads packaging, not just whether pads are present
• Note battery install date and expected life
• Know your specific AED model's indicators and what they mean
• Test cabinet opening mechanism, not just appearance
• Ensure rescue kit is complete and items are usable

3. Electrode pad expiry date

Record the expiry date shown on the electrode pads.

Why it matters:

Electrode pads are the most critical consumable. Recording the expiry date at each check creates visibility of approaching expiry, ensuring you order replacements in time.

What good answers look like:

• "2027-08" (year-month format)
• "August 2027"
• "2027-08-15" (if a specific date is shown)

How to answer this for yourself:

Find the expiry date on the pad packaging. It is usually printed clearly on the sealed packet. Record exactly what is shown.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Not looking at the actual date — Check, do not assume
• Recording the battery expiry instead of pad expiry — These are different
• Not updating the record when pads are replaced — After replacement, update the recorded expiry

Best practices to follow:

• Set a calendar reminder for 2-3 months before expiry to order replacements
• Order replacement pads before current ones expire
• When replacing pads, immediately record the new expiry date
• If pads are near expiry during a check, flag for immediate ordering

4. Check result

Based on your inspection, record whether the AED is ready for use.

Why it matters:

This creates a definitive record of AED status. A pass confirms the device is ready to save a life. A fail requires immediate action.

What good answers look like:

• Pass - ready for use — All checks satisfactory. AED is accessible, showing ready status, pads in date, battery adequate, accessories present.
• Fail - issue identified — One or more problems found that affect readiness.

How to answer this for yourself:

The AED must be completely ready. Any deficiency is a fail:

• Device not accessible → Fail
• Status indicator not showing ready → Fail
• Battery low or depleted → Fail
• Pads expired or missing → Fail
• Rescue kit incomplete → Fail (depending on your protocol)

What triggers a fail:

• AED not in designated location
• AED inaccessible (locked, blocked)
• Status indicator showing anything other than ready
• Battery warning or low charge
• Electrode pads expired
• Electrode pads missing or damaged
• Rescue kit items missing
• Cabinet or device damaged

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Passing with "minor" issues — AEDs need to work perfectly in emergencies
• Ignoring battery warnings — A warning means action is needed
• Rationalising expired pads — "Only a month expired" is still expired

Best practices to follow:

• Pass only when the AED is genuinely ready for emergency use
• Document the specific issue for any failure
• Treat AED failures as urgent — do not leave until the next check

5. Notes

Record any issues, observations, or actions taken.

Why it matters:

Notes provide detail that a pass/fail cannot capture. They document problems, track trends, and record actions.

What good answers look like:

For passing checks:

• "All satisfactory. Pads expire August 2027. Battery installed June 2025, expected life to June 2030."
• Can be brief or blank if all is well

For issues found:

• "Battery indicator showing low charge. Replacement battery ordered today (order ref #12345). Expected delivery Wednesday."
• "Pads expired last month — immediate replacement needed. Temporary spare pads installed from office kit. Replacement pads ordered."
• "AED cabinet door was propped open. Closed and spoke with facilities team about ensuring it remains closed to protect the device."
• "Status indicator flashing red. Manufacturer support contacted — engineer visit scheduled for Tuesday."

How to answer this for yourself:

Record:

• What the issue was (specific)
• What action you took (immediate)
• What follow-up is needed (if any)
• Reference numbers for orders or service calls

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• "Problem found" — What problem?
• Not recording actions — Note what you did, not just what you saw
• No follow-up tracking — If you ordered parts, record that you did

Best practices to follow:

• Include order references for replacement parts
• Record when service calls are scheduled
• Note battery and pad installation/expiry dates
• Track patterns over time (recurring issues)

What to do when problems are found

Status indicator not showing ready

If the AED is not showing a ready/green status:

1. Check the obvious — Is it plugged in? Is the battery installed correctly?
2. Try a reset — Some AEDs have reset procedures
3. Contact the manufacturer — Most have support lines for troubleshooting
4. Mark the AED as out of service — Do not leave it looking ready if it is not
5. Consider temporary replacement — Can you borrow or rent another AED?

Expired electrode pads

1. Order replacement pads immediately — Most suppliers offer next-day delivery
2. Check for spare pads — If you have spares, install them
3. Do not use expired pads — Expired pads may not function
4. Mark expiry date prominently — Prevent this happening again

Low battery warning

1. Order replacement battery — Do not wait; battery warnings mean action needed
2. Check battery type — Ensure you order the correct replacement
3. Monitor status — A low battery may still function for a while, but do not rely on it
4. Replace promptly — When the new battery arrives, install immediately

Missing or damaged accessories

1. Replace missing items — Razor, scissors, towel from general supplies
2. Repair or replace damaged items — Rusty razors, broken scissors need replacing
3. Investigate why missing — If items are repeatedly missing, address the cause

AED not accessible

1. Clear any obstructions immediately
2. Unlock locked cabinets — If keys are needed, ensure they are readily available
3. Report to management — Inaccessible AEDs are a serious issue
4. Review positioning — Is the current location still appropriate?

AED maintenance beyond monthly checks

Annual service

Many AED manufacturers recommend annual service by a technician. This includes:

• Detailed inspection
• Software updates (if applicable)
• Calibration verification
• Component testing beyond self-diagnostics

Battery replacement

AED batteries typically last 2-7 years (standby). Know your battery's expected life and replace proactively.

Pad replacement

Replace pads before expiry. Do not wait for expiry to order — keep spare pads available so you can replace immediately.

Software updates

Some AEDs receive software updates. Register your device with the manufacturer to receive update notifications.

Registration with emergency services

Many areas have AED registries that alert emergency services to nearby AEDs when they dispatch ambulances. Register your AED.

Common mistakes to avoid

Relying solely on self-test

AED self-tests are valuable but do not check everything. Monthly human inspection is still necessary.

Ignoring approaching expiry dates

If pads expire next month, order replacements this month. Do not wait until they expire.

Not knowing how to use the AED

Checking the AED is not the same as knowing how to use it. Ensure staff receive AED awareness training.

Treating battery warnings casually

A battery warning means replacement is needed soon. Order immediately; do not wait to see if it gets worse.

Forgetting the rescue kit

The razor, scissors, and towel are not optional extras. They help ensure the AED can be used effectively.

Summary

AED checks verify that your defibrillator is ready to save a life. Monthly inspections ensure:

• The AED is in its designated location and accessible
• Status indicators show the device is ready
• Battery has adequate charge
• Electrode pads are present and in date
• Rescue kit accessories are complete

Remember:

• Check monthly, regardless of self-test status
• Record the electrode pad expiry date every time
• Act immediately on any failures
• Order replacement pads and batteries proactively
• Treat AED readiness as life-critical

An AED might sit on your wall for years without being used. When it is needed — when someone collapses in cardiac arrest — those few minutes determine everything. Monthly checks ensure your AED is ready for that moment.