What you need to know:

Automated external defibrillator (AED) suppliers are refusing to accept any responsibility for malfunctioning AEDs after the warranty period has expired.

Is it time to replace your AED? Your AED is one of the most important pieces of equipment. In a cardiac emergency it could help you save a life. Although not everyone can be saved from sudden cardiac arrest, studies show that early defibrillation can dramatically improve survival rates.

As equipment matures and technology advances, it is important to evaluate the age and capabilities of your AEDs to determine if it is time for a replacement.

It’s worth considering a few things such as the age of the device. AEDs operate using replaceable parts. Typically, if the parts are still being manufactured, you can maintain and repair an AED without needing to replace the entire unit. 

However, manufacturers may discontinue products when parts may become obsolete and are no longer available for service and repairs. In addition, if your warranty is expired, it can become cost-prohibitive to maintain the unit.

What you need to do:

Maintaining your AED to work properly when it’s needed. An AED requires some maintenance, or it may not work reliably in an emergency. Other than replacing parts as recommended by the manufacturer, this primarily involves regular testing and inspections. 

Belgravia’s standard is this piece of equipment must be checked daily and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and recorded on the Daily Emergency Equipment Checklist on B-Connected.

Inspecting your defibrillator:

• Powering up the device to ensure that it is turning on properly
• Shutting it down to ensure that the indicator lights are working
• Inspecting the AED for signs of damage and wear
• Checking the expiration dates for batteries and electrode pads

If your device looks worn, damaged or the parts are missing or expired, it’s essential that these issues are addressed by a reputable AED supplier. The Belgravia Group has a National Supplier in Defibs Direct in Australia or St Johns in New Zealand, they can recommend and supply unit replacement parts.

You can order directly from: https://belgravialeisure.sharepoint.com/sites/Procurement/SitePages/National-Suppliers.aspx#aed-defib

ALSO…..

To ensure the Safety Team are aware of which and how many defibrillators are at your Belgravia Group facility, this central registry will assist when the asset management of defibs is required.

Please input your AED details on the Group Defib Register: https://forms.office.com/r/nnYZx2jjY5

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your one-up manager or contact a member of the Safety Team to discuss.