How often should a defibrillator (AED) be checked?

A defibrillator should be checked regularly to make sure it is emergency ready. There is no single checking frequency that applies to every AED in every setting, so you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and any requirements that apply to your organisation.

For many workplaces, schools and community defibrillators, carrying out a simple visual check every week is a practical way to identify problems such as expired pads, a low battery, damage or a warning on the AED status indicator.

The important thing is to have a clear checking routine, assign responsibility to someone and act promptly if the AED is not ready for use.

How Often Should You Check a Defibrillator?

The appropriate checking frequency depends on:

• the AED manufacturer’s instructions;
• where the defibrillator is located;
• how frequently it is used;
• whether it is publicly accessible;
• environmental conditions;
• the organisation responsible for it; and
• any sector-specific resuscitation standards.

Public-access AED owners and guardians should carry out routine checks to make sure the device remains ready for use.

In some healthcare environments, Resuscitation Council UK standards specify that resuscitation equipment should be checked at least weekly.

For many non-clinical workplaces and public-access AEDs, a weekly visual inspection is also a straightforward way to maintain a consistent record of checks.

Does an AED Check Itself?

Most modern AEDs perform automatic self-tests.

Depending on the model, these may take place:

• daily;
• weekly;
• monthly; or
• at other programmed intervals.

The AED normally displays a status indicator showing whether it has passed its self-tests and is ready for use.

This might be:

• a green tick;
• an “OK” symbol;
• a flashing status light;
• a visible readiness indicator; or
• another manufacturer-specific display.

If the AED displays a warning, red indicator, audible alert or fault message, investigate it promptly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Automatic self-testing is extremely useful, but it does not replace regular physical checks.

A self-test cannot necessarily tell you that the cabinet has been damaged, the AED is missing, the electrode pads have been removed, accessories are incomplete or access to the device has become obstructed.

What Should Be Checked on a Defibrillator?

A routine AED inspection does not need to take long.

Check the following.

1. AED Status Indicator

Confirm that the AED is showing its normal ready or OK status.

If the device displays a fault or warning, follow the manufacturer’s instructions before considering it emergency ready.

2. Electrode Pads

Check that:

• the correct pads are present;
• the pack is sealed;
• the packaging is undamaged;
• the pads are within their expiry date; and
• they are compatible with the AED.

Expired pads should be replaced before the expiry date.

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3. Battery Status

Confirm the AED is not showing a low-battery warning.

AED batteries have a limited service or standby life, which varies by manufacturer and model.

Do not wait until the battery is completely depleted. Follow the AED manufacturer’s replacement schedule and any status warnings displayed by the device.

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4. Physical Condition

Check the AED for obvious:

• damage;
• cracks;
• contamination;
• signs of water ingress;
• loose components; or
• other problems that could affect its operation.

The device should be clean, secure and immediately available.

5. Rescue Accessories

Where a rescue kit is provided, check that the required items are present and usable.

Depending on the kit, this may include:

• scissors;
• disposable gloves;
• razor;
• face shield or CPR barrier;
• towel; and
• other manufacturer-supplied accessories.

6. AED Cabinet or Storage

If the AED is kept in a cabinet, check that:

• the cabinet is undamaged;
• the AED is visible and accessible;
• nothing is obstructing access;
• signage remains clear;
• any alarm works correctly;
• any heating system operates correctly where fitted; and
• the cabinet is suitable for the environment.

For outdoor AEDs, the condition of the cabinet is particularly important because the device needs to be protected against environmental conditions.

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7. AED Location and Signage

Make sure the AED is still in its designated location and can be found quickly.

The location should be clearly signposted using appropriate defibrillator signage.

Public-access AEDs should be readily accessible, with current Resuscitation Council UK guidance recommending unlocked cabinets and 24/7 access wherever possible.

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Free AED Weekly Inspection Record

Keeping a written record makes it easier to show when an AED was last checked and identify upcoming maintenance requirements.

Our free AED Weekly Inspection Record provides a simple way to record routine checks, including the device condition, electrode pads, battery status and accessories.

Download the Free AED Weekly Inspection Record

Using a weekly record can be particularly useful for:

• workplaces;
• schools;
• sports clubs;
• community organisations;
• public-access AED guardians;
• dental practices;
• leisure facilities; and
• other locations responsible for keeping an AED available.

Who Should Be Responsible for Checking an AED?

It is good practice to assign responsibility for the AED to a named person or team.

For public-access defibrillators, this person is often referred to as the AED Guardian.

Their responsibilities may include:

• carrying out routine checks;
• monitoring pad expiry dates;
• monitoring battery condition;
• checking the cabinet;
• replacing used consumables;
• recording inspections;
• responding to fault alerts;
• updating The Circuit; and
• making sure the AED is returned to emergency-ready condition after use.

There should also be cover if the designated person is absent.

A checking system only works if someone is clearly responsible for carrying it out.

How Often Should Defibrillator Pads Be Checked?

Check the electrode pad expiry date as part of every routine AED inspection.

Pads do not need replacing every time you inspect the AED, but they should be replaced:

• before their expiry date;
• after they have been used;
• if the packaging has been opened;
• if the seal has been damaged; or
• if the manufacturer instructs you to replace them.

The shelf life varies between AED manufacturers and pad types.

Do not assume replacement pads will fit every AED. Always order pads designed for your specific make and model.

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How Often Should an AED Battery Be Checked?

The battery status should be considered during every routine inspection.

Many AEDs monitor their own battery condition and give an audible or visual warning when replacement is required.

Battery life varies considerably between devices and can be affected by factors including:

• the AED model;
• battery chemistry;
• number of self-tests;
• operating temperature;
• number of deployments;
• number of shocks delivered; and
• manufacturer specifications.

Replace the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions rather than relying on a generic replacement interval.

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Should an AED Be Checked After It Has Been Used?

Yes.

An AED should be inspected promptly after every deployment before it is returned to emergency-ready status.

After use:

1. Return the AED to its designated location.
2. Replace used electrode pads.
3. Check the battery status.
4. Replace any used rescue accessories.
5. Inspect the AED for damage or contamination.
6. Clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Confirm the device displays its normal ready status.
8. Check the cabinet and signage.
9. Update its availability on The Circuit where applicable.

The AED should not be considered ready for another emergency until the necessary consumables have been replaced and the device confirms that it is operational.

For more information, see our guide to how many times a defibrillator can be used on a person.

What Is The Circuit?

The Circuit is the UK’s national defibrillator network.

It provides NHS ambulance services with information about defibrillator locations and whether registered AEDs are currently available for use.

Public-access defibrillator owners and guardians should register their device and keep its information up to date.

The Circuit allows guardians to record status checks and confirm whether their AED is Emergency Ready.

If an AED becomes unavailable because:

• its pads have expired;
• it has been used;
• the battery needs replacing;
• the device has developed a fault; or
• it is temporarily inaccessible,

its status should be updated.

Once the AED has been checked and made ready again, its status can be returned to Emergency Ready.

Does The Circuit Replace Physical AED Checks?

No.

Registering an AED on The Circuit does not remove the need to inspect it.

The Circuit helps ambulance services know:

• where your AED is located;
• whether it is accessible;
• when it was last checked; and
• whether it is emergency ready.

The physical AED still needs to be routinely inspected by its owner or guardian.

Does a Defibrillator Need Annual Servicing?

Not every AED requires a conventional annual service.

Modern AEDs generally perform regular automatic self-tests and are designed to require relatively little routine servicing.

However, maintenance requirements vary between manufacturers.

Always follow the instructions supplied with your particular AED regarding:

• servicing;
• software or firmware updates;
• battery replacement;
• pad replacement;
• fault diagnosis; and
• end-of-life requirements.

If an AED displays a fault that cannot be resolved, contact the manufacturer or supplier before returning the device to service.

How Long Do Defibrillators Last?

An AED does not have one universal lifespan.

The service life depends on the manufacturer, model, environmental conditions, usage and maintenance.

Individual components also have different replacement cycles.

For example:

Electrode pads have an expiry date and need replacing when expired or used.

Batteries have a specified standby or operating life.

AED units may remain operational for considerably longer, provided they pass their self-tests and remain within the manufacturer’s supported service life.

Regular checks therefore help protect the investment you have made in the AED as well as helping ensure it is ready in an emergency.

What Happens if an AED Fails a Check?

If the AED is showing a fault or cannot be confirmed as emergency ready:

Do not simply ignore the warning.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions and determine whether the problem relates to:

• expired pads;
• battery condition;
• missing consumables;
• incorrect pad connection;
• device fault;
• environmental conditions; or
• another issue.

Replace the appropriate consumables where necessary.

If the problem cannot be resolved, contact the manufacturer or supplier.

For a public-access AED registered on The Circuit, update its status if it is temporarily unavailable.

Do Outdoor AEDs Need More Frequent Checks?

Outdoor AED installations may warrant particularly close attention because the cabinet and device can be exposed to:

• low temperatures;
• heat;
• moisture;
• dust;
• vandalism;
• accidental damage; and
• public access.

Check that the cabinet remains secure, weather-resistant and operational.

Where an outdoor cabinet has a heater, check that it is functioning as intended, particularly during colder weather.

Always make sure the AED itself is stored within the temperature range specified by its manufacturer.

AED Maintenance Checklist

A straightforward routine check should confirm:

• AED present - the device is in its correct location.
• Ready indicator OK - no fault warning is showing.
• Pads sealed - packaging has not been opened or damaged.
• Pads in date - replacement date has not passed.
• Battery ready - no low-battery indication.
• Device undamaged - AED is clean and in good condition.
• Accessories present - rescue kit is complete where supplied.
• Cabinet operational - including alarm/heater where applicable.
• Access clear - AED can be reached immediately.
• Signage visible - people can quickly locate the device.
• The Circuit updated - for registered public-access AEDs.
• Check recorded - date and responsible person documented.