AED Weekly Inspection Record - Free UK Checklist
Make sure your defibrillator is accessible, in date and ready to use with our free AED Weekly Inspection Record.
Designed for workplaces, schools, sports clubs, community defibrillators and other organisations responsible for an AED, this printable five-week checklist helps you record routine inspections and quickly identify anything that needs attention.
The free record includes:
- Five weeks of AED readiness checks on one sheet
- AED status and fault indicator checks
- Electrode pad and battery checks
- Cabinet, access and signage checks
- Response kit and accessory checks
- Corrective-action recording
- AED return-to-service checklist after use or a fault
- The Circuit status reminder.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE WEEKLY INSPECTION RECORD
Why should an AED be checked regularly?
- Modern AEDs normally perform automatic self-tests, but these cannot identify every problem that may prevent a defibrillator being used quickly in an emergency.
- A regular visual inspection can identify issues such as expired electrode pads, a battery warning, physical damage, missing accessories, an inaccessible cabinet or a change to the AED's location.
- The Resuscitation Council UK recommends that checks and maintenance are carried out in accordance with the AED manufacturer's guidance and your own risk assessment. Always follow the instructions supplied with your particular AED.
What should you check on a defibrillator each week?
A routine AED inspection should establish whether the defibrillator is present, accessible and emergency-ready.
Our downloadable inspection record covers:
AED ready/status indicator
Check that the AED's normal ready indicator is displayed and that there are no warning lights, fault symbols, audible alerts or error messages.
The exact indicator varies between manufacturers, so refer to the AED's user manual if you are unsure what the normal ready status should look like.
AED condition
Check the defibrillator and carry case for obvious damage, contamination, moisture or signs that the device may have been used.
Defibrillator pads
Confirm that the primary electrode pads are sealed, connected where required by the manufacturer and within their expiry date.
Check any spare or paediatric pads where these are provided or required for your particular AED.
Different AEDs manage paediatric use differently, so separate child electrode pads are not required with every model.
AED battery
Check the AED's battery or readiness indicator and any expiry or install-by date shown for the battery.
Battery arrangements differ considerably between AED models, so battery replacement should always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
AED cabinet and accessibility
Make sure the AED can be located and retrieved quickly.
Check that the cabinet, wall bracket or storage location is unobstructed and in good condition. Where fitted, also check cabinet lighting, heating, alarms or power supplies.
For public-access defibrillators, clear directional signage can help people locate the AED quickly during an emergency.
AED response or preparation kit
Where a response kit is kept with the AED, check that the required items are present and usable.
Contents vary between organisations and AED packages but may include items such as disposable gloves, scissors, a razor, a face shield or towel.
What should I do if an AED check identifies a problem?
Do not simply record the fault and leave it until the next inspection.
If the AED has a warning indicator, expired pads, a battery problem, physical damage or another issue that could affect its readiness, follow the manufacturer's instructions and your organisation's reporting procedure.
Record:
- The problem identified
- The action required
- Who is responsible for resolving it
- When it was resolved
- When the AED was confirmed as ready for use again
If the availability or readiness of a public-access AED changes, its information should also be updated on The Circuit.
What should be checked after a defibrillator has been used?
An AED should be checked and returned to emergency-ready condition as soon as practical after use.
Depending on the AED and what was used, this may include:
- Replacing the used electrode pads
- Replacing items taken from the response kit
- Cleaning the AED and carry case in accordance with manufacturer instructions
- Checking the battery
- Confirming that the AED reports its normal ready status
- Checking the cabinet or storage location
- Returning the device to its normal location
- Updating its status and pad details on The Circuit where applicable
AED electrode pads are single-use and must be replaced after use.
Register your AED on The Circuit
If you are responsible for a public-access defibrillator, it should be registered on The Circuit - the national defibrillator network.
The Circuit shares AED location and availability information with UK ambulance services so that emergency call handlers can direct members of the public to an available defibrillator.
It can also provide reminders about checks and consumable expiry dates.
Need to replace AED pads, batteries or accessories?
Keeping an AED emergency-ready includes replacing consumables before they expire and restoring the device after use.
You can find:
Replacement electrode pads for leading AED brands.
Compatible replacement batteries for AED machines.
AED Cabinets & Cases
Indoor and outdoor storage solutions for defibrillators.
Or view our complete range of Defibrillators & AEDs.
Important
This AED Weekly Inspection Record is provided as a practical inspection aid. It does not replace the instructions supplied by the AED or cabinet manufacturer, your organisation's first-aid needs assessment, local procedures or risk assessment. Inspection and maintenance requirements can vary by AED model.