LifeAZ AED Maintenance Guide – Routine Checks & Best Practices
Regular maintenance of your LifeAZ AED is essential to ensure it is always in working condition when needed. This guide outlines the key steps for routine checks, battery replacement, pad inspection, and visual assessments to keep your AED fully operational.
Why Regular AED Maintenance is Important
Your LifeAZ AED is a life-saving device, and a malfunction due to improper maintenance could lead to serious consequences. Routine checks help identify potential issues early, ensuring the AED is always ready for emergency use.
Step 1: Quick Daily Visual Inspection
A simple daily check can prevent many common issues:
- Check the status indicator light: If the light is flashing, the AED is functioning correctly.
- Ensure the unit is accessible: Make sure it is stored in the correct location and not obstructed.
- Inspect the exterior: Look for any visible damage such as scratches, cracks, or dents.
Step 2: Weekly Functional Checks
Conducting a more thorough check once a week ensures the AED remains fully functional:
- Turn the AED on: Press the power button to check if it starts up correctly.
- Check indicator lights: Verify that all lights illuminate properly.
- Turn the AED off: Avoid draining the battery unnecessarily by keeping the device on for a short duration.
- Record the check: Maintain a logbook, spreadsheet, or workplace record to track routine maintenance.
- Set reminders: Schedule a weekly alert on your phone to check the AED at a fixed time.
Step 3: Monthly Pad and Battery Inspection
- Check the electrode pads: Ensure they remain sealed in their packaging.
- Inspect for any creases or cracks: Damaged pads may not function correctly in an emergency.
- Examine the pad cables: Ensure they are securely connected with no signs of wear.
- Check the battery life: Look at the expiry date and ensure the battery is still functional.
Step 4: Annual & Biannual Maintenance
In addition to regular checks, certain maintenance tasks should be completed yearly:
- Battery Replacement: Replace if the battery is nearing its expiry date.
- Electrode Pad Replacement: Change pads as per manufacturer guidelines.
- Full System Test: Conduct a comprehensive test following the AED manual's recommendations.
Step 5: Emergency Readiness Check
The worst time to discover a fault is during an emergency. Ensure your AED is always ready:
- Confirm the pads are sealed and undamaged.
- Verify the battery is functioning.
- Ensure the AED is stored in an easily accessible location.
By following these maintenance steps, you can be confident that your LifeAZ AED will be ready for use when needed.