6 Crucial Reasons Why You Need to Replace Your AEDs

AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are portable medical equipment that help in treating patients experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest(SCA). AEDs are used to diagnose the patient’s heart rhythm through two electrode patches set on the patient’s chest. AEDs are built with very complicated technology but are friendly to use.

AED automatically analyzes the heartbeat and delivers an electric shock without synchronization. Like any other electric device, AEDs have a limited lifespan and require maintenance with replacement. Even though AEDs do perform automated self-tests to monitor these components, AEDs failures become significantly more likely due to the older age of the AED. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why you need to replace your AED and the signs you need to replace your old AED with a new one.

What is the Importance of AEDs in Saving Lives?

Consider yourself being in a life-or-death situation where every second counts. AEDs are life-saving tools in such emergency situations. AEDs are essential devices in major public places, workplaces, and communities that significantly increase the chance of survival for victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Timely use of AEDs can increase the chance of survival by restoring heart rhythm, providing valuable time until further medical help arrives. According to the American Heart Association, a victim’s chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation.

What are the Crucial Reasons to Replace Your Old AEDs?

One thing I love about the latest AEDs is the advanced features like larger batter, instantaneous ECG display, remote diagnostics, and data transmission. You might be asking yourself, why should I replace my AED, which seems to be working fine? Here are the top 6 crucial reasons for replacing your old AEDs:

1. Technological Advancements
2. Regulatory Compliance: FDA-Approved
3. Maintenance and Reliability
4. Age of the Device
5. Components Wear & Tear
6. Poor Performance in Testing

1. Technological Advancements

Technology upgrades with time and AEDs are becoming more precise, accurate, efficient, powerful, and capable. AEDs equipped with outdated technology cannot compete with modern AED devices. Real-time monitoring, long-lasting batteries, data transmission, and remote diagnostics are some features that new AED devices offer that are not available in older versions.

2. Regulatory Compliance: FDA-Approved

As a Class III Device, all AEDs, old and new, should pass FDA approval before they are sold to the public. The FDA regulates safety and reliability by monitoring the design and performance of AED devices. If your AED is not FDA-Approved, accessories like batteries and pads may no longer be supported by the manufacturer for the replacement. Then, it’s the right time to replace your old AED with a new FDA-approved one.

3. Maintenance and Reliability

The maintenance and reliability of the AEDs depend on the condition of the battery and pads. The battery and pads should be checked periodically to ensure that the device is in optimal condition and always ready to use. The battery of the AEDs lasts for 5 to 7 years, while the pads last 18 to 30 months from the date of manufacture. Battery life also depends on the type and brand of AED devices. With time, the maintenance of the device gets harder, and the reliability of the device cannot be trusted. Then it’s better to replace the AED with a new one.

4. Age of the Device

As claimed by medical professionals, the average lifespan of AED devices is about 10 to 15 years, after which they should be replaced immediately with new units. The average lifespan of AEDs depends on how well they are cared for, how often they are used, and where they are stored. The aged AED devices should not be used for the diagnosis as they may not be as reliable as the latest ones.

5. Components Wear & Tear

Wear and tear refers to damage or a change in the original shape and size of an AED device when used normally. The components of AEDs are liable to wear and tear over time when used normally. Several AED components that are liable to wear and tear are battery, electrode pads, and stand. By addressing these issues, one can be sure that these life-saving tools remain in optimal condition.

6. Poor Performance in Testing

The performance of AED should be checked periodically to ensure it is ready for use. Several factors may cause poor performance, including expired disposal parts, failure of internal circuits, design and manufacturing issues, etc. AEDs show several signs, such as beeping, flashing, or an “X” sign on display. All these signs indicate that the AEDs is not in good condition. An AED showing such poor performance in testing should not be used for the diagnosis of the patients.

What are the Benefits of Upgrading Your AEDs

Don’t you just hate it when using an AED doesn’t perform well and shows unreliable results in emergency situations? That is why you should upgrade your AED. You’ll be surprised to learn about the benefits of upgrading your AED. Here is a list of benefits you get after upgrading your AED:

1. Enhanced Features: Replacing your old AED devices with new FDA-approved ones brings enhanced features such as Real-time monitoring, a long-lasting battery, data transmission, and remote diagnostics.
2. Improved User Experience: Old AED devices are not as user-friendly as the new ones. New FDA-approved AED devices are very user-friendly, and replacing old AED devices with ones improves the user experience and gives better results.
3. Increased Reliability: The reliability of AED devices decreases daily. Older versions are less reliable, leading to several complications when used in emergencies. So, if your AED device is unreliable, it’s time to replace it with a new FDA-approved one.
4. Compatibility with the latest Guidelines: All AED devices should be compatible with the latest FDA guidelines. FDA approval is essential for the sale and use of AED devices, and it monitors the design and performance of the AED.
5. Enhanced Data Management: Upgrading your old AED with a new one brings an advanced data management system, providing features like real-time ECG display, voice prompt waveform display, remote diagnostics, and printing of selected waveforms.

RELATED: How to Choose An AED

What are the Steps Involved in Using an AEDs?

The steps involved in using an AED are given below:

1. Turn on the device and follow the audio instructions.
2.  Take off the patient’s clothes, including the bra.
3. Apply the AED electrode patches to the patient’s dry skin.
4. Wait until AED analyzes the patient’s heart rhythm.
5. Make sure no one is in contact with the patients as the AED delivers the defibrillation shock.
6. The AED device will automatically instruct when it is safe to continue Hands-only CPR after the shock has been delivered.

Read in detail: How to use an AED: Step-by-step Guide for Using AED

Final Thoughts

Your AED should be up to date if you want to be prepared for medical emergencies and save the victim’s life. The use of technologically advanced AEDs can make a huge difference between life and death for the victim. It also helps to buy the valuable time needed for the survival of the victim until further medical assistance arrives.

With Heart Start CPR, replacing your old AED with a new one is simple and efficient. We sell reasonably priced AEDs from leading manufacturers that are FDA-approved. If you are looking to buy an AED device and save the lives of an individual in cardiac emergencies, then look no further. Buy AEDs from Heart Start CPR and ensure you are prepared to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies with reliable, top-quality equipment.

Check out our AED product.