How Often Should a Defibrillator Be Serviced?
Defibrillators are life-saving devices that can restore a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest.
However, a defibrillator is only as effective as its condition allows it to be. Thus, ensuring regular defibrillator servicing and maintenance is crucial for reliability. Defibrillators need to be serviced at least once a year, depending on the type.
Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Defibrillator Types
Outside clinical settings, the most commonly used defibrillators in the UK are Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These devices are designed for use by laypersons with minimal training and are frequently installed in public areas such as railway stations, sports centres, schools, and shopping centres.
In contrast, manual defibrillators, typically used by trained clinicians in hospitals or ambulances, require more complex maintenance routines handled by medical engineering teams.
Guidance and Regulations
While there is no law that mandates the presence of defibrillators in public places or businesses, organisations that install and maintain them must follow best practice guidance issued by authorities such as the Resuscitation Council UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
These bodies recommend regular defibrillator servicing and maintenance in line with manufacturer guidelines. In addition, regular visual and functional checks should be conducted. Local NHS trusts, ambulance services, and regional health boards may also provide specific recommendations for organisations or communities managing public-access defibrillators.
Manufacturer Recommendations
Every defibrillator comes with a manufacturer’s manual, which contains detailed instructions on maintenance schedules and component replacement.
For the most part, manufacturers recommend the following:
- Monthly visual checks to confirm the device is operational.
- Annual servicing by a qualified technician.
- Immediate checks and maintenance after each use, including replacement of electrode pads and battery inspection.
Many AEDs perform automatic self-checks, usually on a weekly or daily basis. As such, they will display a visual indicator (commonly green for ‘ready’ or red for ‘service required’).
That being said:
While these self-tests provide some reassurance, they are not a substitute for manual inspections and regular defibrillator servicing by professionals.
Key Components That Require Monitoring
The two components that most frequently require replacement or attention are the electrode pads and the battery. Electrode pads and batteries generally have a shelf life of approximately 2 to 5 years, depending on the model and brand. They must be replaced before their expiry date or immediately after use.
Most AEDs will alert the user when the battery is running low, but organisations should maintain records to ensure timely replacement. Failure to replace these components could result in device failure during a cardiac emergency, with potentially fatal consequences.
Environmental and Usage Factors
Defibrillators kept in outdoor cabinets, vehicles, or industrial environments may be exposed to harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, dust, or humidity. These devices require more frequent inspections, sometimes even weekly, to ensure they remain fully operational.
If a defibrillator is used frequently, it should be inspected after each use. Additionally, a full system check should be performed to ensure all parts are intact and functional.
Defibrillator Servicing Responsibilities in the Workplace
Businesses, schools, and community groups that install AEDs must assign an appointed person to keep a regular defibrillator servicing and maintenance log, documenting checks, component replacements, software updates, and servicing dates.
The Health and Safety Executive recommends treating defibrillators as part of an organisation’s first aid equipment. As such, they should be included in regular health and safety risk assessments and inspections.
Why Regular Defibrillator Servicing Matters
Defibrillators can make all the difference between life and death, as the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest drop by 10% with each minute of delay in treatment. A defibrillator that fails to operate correctly because of a preventable maintenance issue can result in a tragic outcome.
Beyond the ethical imperative, there may also be legal implications. While UK law does not currently mandate AED maintenance under criminal law, civil liability could arise if an organisation fails to maintain a publicly available device which fails during an emergency.
Reliable Defibrillator Servicing from Seal Calibration Ltd
Whether a defibrillator is installed in a workplace, school, or community setting, its maintenance is paramount – because lives depend on it.
And this is where Seal Calibration comes in:
One of our fully-qualified engineers will visit your site at a pre-arranged appointment time to carry out a detailed inspection and full functionality testing of your defibrillator, including assessment of the case, screen, buttons, and connections for any damage or malfunction.
The battery and pads will be checked, with their condition recorded for compliance and future replacement scheduling, and compatibility of all pads and batteries, including spares, will be confirmed. The device will be calibrated to national UKAS-traceable standards using a Rigel Unipulse defibrillator simulator.
Upon completion, our engineer will issue a certificate of compliance. Your equipment will be automatically enrolled in our reminder system for timely replacement of consumable parts, such as pads and batteries.
Get in Touch
For regular defibrillator servicing that will give you peace of mind, call Seal Calibration on 0115 906 3131. Our friendly team is always happy to discuss your requirements. We also offer Medical Equipment Calibration, Medical PAT Testing, Medical Equipment Asset Tracking, and more.
If you prefer, please feel free to complete our contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.