How often should defibrillator pads and batteries be replaced?
Defibrillators are life-saving devices which deliver a shock to someone in cardiac arrest, restarting their heart in a healthy rhythm. Modern defibrillators or AEDs do not need to be connected to a power supply and are highly portable.
AEDs are typically powered by a non-rechargeable battery and include electrode pads which connect to the defibrillator at one end and stick to the patient’s chest at the other. To ensure a strong connection to the patient’s chest, the pads are covered in a gel adhesive, which deteriorates over time.
So, how often should defibrillator pads and batteries be replaced?
Why do defibrillator pads expire?
Defibrillator pads have an expiry date printed on them, beyond this date, the gel adhesive on the pads will start to break down. Once the gel has started to break down, the pads will be less likely to form a strong connection to the patient and may be unable to deliver a shock effectively.
Pad life
Typically, electrode pads have a lifespan between 2 and 5 years. The life of electrode pads is typically shorter than that of batteries. If the expiry date has passed on pads and replacements are not immediately available, it is still advised that the pads be used in a cardiac arrest as it would be preferential to no treatment at all.
Electrode pads should be replaced immediately if they are used in a rescue, even if they have not yet reached their expiry date.
Why do defibrillator batteries expire?
Even when defibrillators are turned off or in standby, they still use small amounts of energy for self-tests and checks to ensure the hardware and software is functioning as it should.
Exposure to extreme temperatures such as heat or frost can also affect the lifespan of the battery.
Battery life
Most defibrillators use lithium batteries which have a lifespan between 3 and 7 years. Many defibrillators will start to display a warning when the battery is low – if this warning is being displayed, the defibrillator will still be able to deliver a number of shocks before it goes completely flat.
Defib Warehouse’s reminder service
When purchasing a defibrillator or pads/batteries with Defib Warehouse, you will be added to our expiry reminder service, this means that we will contact you via email in the months prior to your pads or battery expiring.
We even offer an exclusive discount code for existing customers who order their replacement pads or batteries with us.
View our defibrillator range here, or contact us at sales@defibwarehouse.co.uk to see how we can support you.
