A trained employee such as a safety officer or facility manager should be responsible for overseeing that regular maintenance is done. They should maintain logs of inspections and ensure replacements are ordered when needed. Engaging a service company with trained AED technicians is advisable.
Yes. AEDs should be visually inspected at least monthly and tested annually. Maintenance should follow the manufacturer’s schedule and include checking pad expiration dates and battery levels.
Yes, especially for mobile teams. However, storage must meet the AED’s environmental guidelines for temperature and humidity to avoid damaging the battery or pads.
Most AEDs are designed for indoor, temperature-controlled environments. In cold or hot conditions, they must be stored in insulated or climate-controlled cabinets to remain functional.
Yes. Since sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time, AEDs should be accessible in areas where employees work, especially in locations with limited public access.
AEDs should be installed in visible, accessible, and central locations like break rooms, lobbies, or next to fire extinguishers. They should never be locked away or hidden behind barriers.
AEDs should be installed in visible, accessible, and central locations like break rooms, lobbies, or next to fire extinguishers. They should never be locked away or hidden behind barriers.
The rule of thumb is that an AED should be reachable within a 3-minute round-trip from any point in the facility. Large campuses or multi-story buildings may require multiple devices to meet this standard.
Businesses with large staff numbers, physically demanding work, remote locations, or high public foot traffic should strongly consider installing AEDs. This includes construction sites, manufacturing plants, warehouses, fitness centers, office towers, and large retail spaces.
AEDs cannot “restart” a heart that has completely stopped (asystole). They are effective in treating disorganized electrical activity in the heart, such as VF or VT, by delivering a shock to allow the heart’s natural pacemaker to resume normal function. If the heart is in asystole, CPR must be continued until advanced care is available.
