Why Defibrillator Servicing Should Not Be Overlooked
Defibrillators are life-saving devices, and every second counts – the chances of surviving a heart attack drop by 10% with every minute of delay. In fact, sudden cardiac arrest claims more than 100,000 lives every year.
Unfortunately, 16.3% of the defibrillator units we tested in a single year were not rescue-ready – either due to expired pads, depleted batteries or malfunctioning devices. The good news is – many of these issues can be easily prevented with annual Defibrillator Servicing, and we’re here to help inform you on everything you need to know.
What Happens During a Professional Defibrillator Service?
First things first, you’ll likely want to know exactly what happens during your Defibrillator Service. Once you have booked your appointment at a convenient time to suit your schedule, one of our fully qualified, DBS-checked, manufacturer-trained EBME engineers will visit your premises to carry out the work:
- Your automatic or semi-automatic defibrillator (WCD or AED) will be thoroughly tested to ensure it is fully functional, and all parts will be fully inspected for any damage or signs of malfunction, including the case, screens, buttons, and connections.
- Your battery, pads & spare parts will be examined, making note of their status, installation date, and replacement dates, to confirm that they are fully compatible.
- Using a Rigel Unipulse simulator, your defibrillator will be calibrated to national UKAS-traceable standards.
- You will be issued a nationally traceable certificate of compliance once your Defibrillator Service is complete.
- You will be automatically enrolled on our reminder system for replacing your consumable parts, such as pads & batteries.
What is Defibrillator Calibration & Is it the Same as Servicing?
Defibrillator Calibration and Servicing are often confused with one another. Calibration isn’t the same as Servicing; however, your Defibrillator will be calibrated during your annual service.
Calibration involves accurately verifying that your defibrillator responds correctly during simulated emergencies, ensuring its output aligns with precise, nationally recognised standards and provides an accurate, reliable electrical shock. On the other hand, Servicing includes comprehensive testing and inspection of all components to assess their functionality and condition.
If you would like to learn more, please feel free to read our Guide on Defibrillator Calibration and The Key to Optimising AED Functionality in Public Settings.
How Often Does a Defibrillator Need Servicing?
According to industry requirements, insurance companies, and manufacturer recommendations, Defibrillators need servicing at least once a year, and this is something that is best left to the professionals.
However, you shouldn’t simply leave your defibrillator for a year and hope for the best. Whilst some AEDs self-test to provide you with some reassurance, this is not a substitute for manual inspections and annual defibrillator servicing.
Your defibrillator must be visually checked at least once a month. This way, you’ll be able to see if your defibrillator has been used or if there is a fault, for example, if it is beeping, flashing, or has an error code. Assess your unit for any signs of damage and make sure all the parts are in the correct place. If your pads or batteries have expired, we will send you a reminder, and they will need replacing (typically between 2 & 5 years for pads and 2 & 7 years for batteries). Don’t forget to wipe your unit down to prevent dirt from building up.
If you want to learn more, please feel free to read our blog on The Importance of Regular Defibrillator Servicing. Additionally, you can register your defibrillator on The Circuit to remind you to regularly record your checks.
Who Is Responsible for Defibrillator Maintenance in Your Workplace?
This is an important yet often overlooked aspect of Defibrillators. If you don’t have a specific individual who is responsible for your Defibrillator, it’s very easy to forget about it.
We cannot stress enough – when it comes to Defibrillators, you must follow best practice guidelines as recommended by authorities, such as the Resuscitation Council UK, the British Heart Foundation, the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
You should assign a designated person to keep a calibration and maintenance log, recording the date, technician, and any issues, as well as details such as the device serial number, service type (routine inspection, calibration, repair, or emergency service), a description of any corrective actions taken, parts replaced, and the next scheduled service date. This helps you stay organised and provides documentation for audits if needed.
If you’re reading this blog post, that’s likely going to be you or someone you trust! However, training all your staff and encouraging them to report any concerns about your defibrillator will help you address issues promptly. Of course, our calibration engineers can complete your annual Defibrillator Service and provide you with any necessary notes and certification to add to your log.
Benefits of Defibrillator Servicing & Calibration
The bottom line is – regularly servicing and calibrating your defibrillator will give you the confidence and peace of mind in the knowledge that it is rescue-ready and will work as it should, delivering a precise shock when it matters most and saving someone’s life. This means sending a shock at the right energy level and voltage (shockable heart rhythm, VF or VT) when necessary.
Not only this – you will also increase its lifespan by up to 10 years, saving you from costly repairs and replacements, whilst upholding your organisation’s reputation and complying with health and safety standards and legal regulations.
Book Your Annual Defibrillator Service Today
With over 20 years of industry experience, SafeContractor approval, and ISO 9001 accreditation, you can rest assured your Defibrillator is in safe hands with Seal Calibration Ltd. From Defibtech Lifeline and Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 to HeartSine Samaritan, Philips HeartStart FRx, ZOLL AED Pro, and more, we can help a diverse range of sectors, such as healthcare, industrial & commercial, residential areas, education, sport facilities, heritage sites, Ministry of Defence, and much more.
Simply give us a call on 0115 906 3131 or use our contact form to book your annual Defibrillator appointment at a time and date that suits your schedule. If you have any questions about Defibrillator Servicing, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
If you have any expired pads & batteries or old devices, we also provide Medical Equipment Disposal.