Using an AED Like a Pro! – The Ultimate Guide to Getting to Know Your Defibrillator

When was the last time you really took a look at that life-saving device stored in your home/workspace/public location? Of course, we all know the basic features – pads, battery, on/off button, and shock button – but what about the other, more specific, features? Do you know the serial number? Do you know what to do if your AED starts to chirp? Are you sure you are buying the correct replacement pads? These are just a few questions that are important to know the answers to! Take a moment to truly get to know your defibrillator and be a pro when using an AED!

Using an AED – The Unit Basics

The actual Philips AED medical-device is extremely simple to use and has been designed to be user-friendly for all ages! But when something unexpected happens with your device, or you require troubleshooting, you need to know a few details to ensure it is ready for use.

Troubleshooting

If you are phoning in for Philips AED support (you can get video support here!), it is best to have the unit and accessories in front of you. The person assisting you will likely require the serial number (s/n) of the machine. This number can be found on the back of the machine, usually beside where the battery is inserted, and is important to share with the support worker to ensure that you are receiving the correct information for what your specific device needs.

Routine Maintenance

Just with any safety device, routine maintenance is necessary to ensure your defibrillator is in perfect working condition. Routine maintenance includes replacing the expired battery and expired or used pads. Your AED does a daily self-check and will actually ‘chirp’ to let you know that these accessories need replacing. Keep in mind, however, it is always a good idea to do a routine check of your machine and be aware of all the expiry dates so you can set an alarm at least a month ahead to order your replacements and be ready to address any issues!

Using an AED – The AED Accessories

There are a number of specialized accessories available for each Philips HeartStart AED model. Depending on how you have customized your device to meet the needs of your location, you may have specialized batteries, a fast response kit, adult or pediatric AED pads (or a pediatric key for the FRx), training pads, etc. Knowing how to use these AED accessories will help you stay on top of maintenance and replacements!

AED Battery

Your Philips AED has got your back! When using an AED, your battery is good for 200 shocks, or 4 years installed. When this time comes, your device will begin to chirp to alert you to replace your battery (keep in mind that once the battery is fully drained, the machine can no longer alert you of this issue and therefore cannot be used for an emergency rescue!). Every battery is marked with an ‘Install Before’ date – this is NOT when the battery will expire or be drained. If an AED battery is installed in a machine on or before the ‘Install Before’ date printed on the back, it will be good for 4 years (the standard standby life) or the 200 shocks, varying between machine model and based on usage.

NOTE: The battery will lose a year of its expected 4-year standby life for each year AFTER the ‘Install Before’ date that is initially inserted into the defibrillator. For example, if a battery is marked ‘Install Before 2020-12’ but installed in December of 2021, it will have a 3-year standby life; if it is installed in December of 2022, it will have a 2-year standby life; etc.)

AED Pads

Each model of Philips HeartStart AEDs has their own type of pads, so it is important to be sure that you are purchasing the correct ones! To verify which pads you need, you can take a look at the pads installed in your device – the pads will have a reference number (REF #) on the back that will match the exact pads you need. The serial number (s/n) of your machine will identify to assisting staff which machine you need pads for. It is also important to note that some AED models have both adult and pediatric pads available and that most pads will expire after 2 years. It is important to ensure your pads are replaced when they expire as the gel on them depreciates in quality and is needed for good contact with the skin of a patient in the case of an emergency. Therefore, a backup set of pads is recommended since they are only effective for a single use.

NOTE: Once pads are expired and replaced, cut your old pads in half to prevent unsafe salvaging!

Take Advantage of Smart Track

There is a lot to remember when it comes to expiry dates, device updates, and accessory replacement. Don’t want to keep track of it yourself? First Edition First Aid Training Inc. sends automated reminders to all of our clients when your accessories are approaching expiration, through our Smart Track system! We do this automatically for all of our AED clien’s before the AED is sent out. However, if you ordered your AED elsewhere but will be purchasing accessories from us, all we require is the serial number (s/n) from the back of your AED unit! Get in touch and set it up today!

Once you understand these features about your life-saving device, you will be that much more prepared to assist in heart emergencies! Need to order some replacement batteries or pads? Order them here! Do you need assistance troubleshooting your device? Contact us or check out our support videos!

Wondering what comes along with your new AED packages? Make sure you have all the AED accessories that are customized to meet the needs of people in your location during an emergency!  Here are the accessories you will receive and need!