AED Pads Expiration Explained
An important, often overlooked aspect of maintaining your Automated External Defibrillator (AED) – is the expiration date of the electrode pads. As dramatic as it sounds, keeping up with the AED pad expiration date could be the difference between life and death in an emergency.
AEDs are silent heroes. They tand ready to fight sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is a condition that occurs without warning when the heart goes from a normal rhythm to a rhythm where the heart isn’t moving blood. A key part of any AED is the electrode pads, the parts of the AED that stick to the patient’s skin to deliver a life-saving electric shock. But did you know these pads don’t last forever? They come with an AED pad expiration date, and it’s there for a very good reason.
Why Should AED Pads Be Replaced?
Let’s talk about why this date matters so much. With time, the adhesive on these pads can degrade, and the conductive gel (that’s the stuff that helps pass the shock from the AED to the patient’s heart) can dry out. If the pads are past their expiration date, they might not stick properly or transmit the electric charge effectively. And in a situation where every second counts, this could mean the difference between a successful defibrillation and a failed one. If your AED has expired pads, contact us to replace them. Remember, try to use your machine in an emergency, even with expired pads!
Top questions about AED pad expiration dates:
- Q: Why do AED Pads go bad? A: A: AED Pads use conductive adhesive material that sticks the pads to a patient’s skin. Over time the adhesive dries, degrading their ability to transmit shocks.
- Q: Why do AED pads have an expiration date? A: AED pad expiration dates refer to the date until which the pads of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) are guaranteed to work.
- Q: How often should AEDs be inspected? A: AEDs should be inspected monthly to confirm pads and batteries aren’t expired and to confirm the AED readiness light indicates the AED is working.
- Q: Is it OK to use Expired AED pads? A: Expired AED pads may not adhere properly to the patient’s skin to deliver a shock BUT, in an emergency, always try to use the AED, even with expired pads.
Important Tips
For anyone who’s responsible for an AED – whether it’s in a school, office, gym, or even at home – keeping track of the AED pad expiration date is as important as having the device itself. It’s not just about ensuring the device works in an emergency; it can also be about meeting safety regulations and legal requirements. In addition, maintaining an AED program doesn’t stop with pad replacement; it includes replacing batteries, software updates if needed, and don’t forget CPR and AED training.
To conclude, the AED pad expiration date might seem like a small detail, but it is important to the success of an emergency response. By keeping up with these expiration dates, you’re taking a big step towards being ready to help your community and possibly saving lives. Let’s spread the word and check those AED pads. Maintaining your AED is a priority that is easy to meet!