How Long Do AED Batteries Last?
One thing to remember when it comes to using Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is that their batteries have a limited life expectancy and will inevitably expire at some time. Because of this, it’s essential to be aware of their expiration dates and crucial to keep a replacement battery on hand for when this happens.
The last thing you want is a situation where you have to deal with a sudden cardiac arrest or other life-threatening emergencies with an AED without battery power. To prevent a situation like this, we’ll look at the effective life ranges for AED batteries and electrode pads in this article. You’ll also learn how to keep track of batteries so you know when it’s time to replace them.
How Long Are AED Batteries Good For?
AEDs typically have one or more dates listed on them. There may, for instance, be a date of manufacture and expiration date. There could also be an “install by” date.
In relation to battery life, these dates indicate the following:
- Manufactured date – This date indicates the date on which the battery was manufactured.
- Expiration date – This is the date after which the battery will no longer function and is typically 2 to 7 years from the date of manufacturing.
- “Install by” date – This is when the battery should be installed in an AED in order for expiration date and battery warranty to be valid.
Based on these dates, AED batteries generally have a stand by life of between 2 and 7 years, depending on the specific battery. As a result, when the expiration date comes, it’s time to get a replacement battery.
Prime Medical Training carries a wide variety of AED batteries including:
- Philips FRx/OnSite Replacement 4-Year Battery
- Cardiac Science Powerheart® AED G5 Intellisense® Battery
- Cardiac Science G3 Plus Intellisense Lithium Battery
- HeartSine Samaritan 350P Pad Pak
How Long Are AED Pads Good For?
AED pads are generally constructed of plastic, metal, and conductive gel. The chemicals in this gel break down over time, and the gel tends to dry out. As a result, electrode pads expire. Every set of AED pads will have an indicated expiry date, and the pads will need to be replaced before the expiration date. Depending on the brand, AED pads have a shelf life of between two and five years.
Some replacement pads to consider include:
- Philips OnSite Infant/Child Cartridge Electrode Pads
- Philips OnSite Adult Replacement Cartridge Electrode Pads
- Cardiac Science G3 Adult Defibrillation Electrode Pads
- Cardiac Science G5 Adult Electrode Pads
How To Keep Track of the Expiration Dates?
Considering how important it is to replace AEDs and pads in time, you should keep track of the date of manufacture, expiry date, and the date you installed the battery.
To do this, you could, for instance:
- Do a physical check of the dates printed on the batteries regularly.
- Adding visual alerts on a calendar, so you’ll know when batteries need to be replaced.
- Creating e-alerts that will alert you when you’ll need to replace the batteries.
- Calling the battery provider or manufacturer on their provided phone number.
Another option is to enroll in an AED Program Management program which will maintain your AEDs and keep track of their batteries and pads.
Final Thoughts
Your AED is a crucial piece of equipment, whether you use it to save lives or CPR training. In turn, pads and batteries are a critical part of your AED, so you must keep up-to-date with their expiration dates and replace them when required.
Hopefully, this post helped illustrate how to know when batteries expire and keep track of your AED batteries. For more information, you can view our AED store or contact us for more details.
