Automated external defibrillators are an important part of emergency preparedness in workplaces, community facilities, sporting venues and other public environments. However, purchasing a device is only the first step. Regular inspections, appropriate storage and timely replacement of consumable accessories are essential considerations for organisations that rely on an AED as part of their first aid arrangements.

A defib machine may remain unused for an extended period before an emergency occurs. During that time, its battery, electrode pads and other components need to be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Without a consistent inspection process, organisations may overlook an expired pad set, a depleted battery or a storage issue that affects access to the equipment.

NEANN supplies defibrillators from brands including HeartSine and Defibtech, along with associated accessories. Its product range highlights the importance of considering equipment and supporting supplies together when planning for cardiac emergencies.

Why Routine Defibrillator Checks Matter

An automated external defibrillator is designed to guide a responder through the process of assessing a person's heart rhythm and delivering a shock when advised by the device. Its instructions help users operate the equipment during an emergency, but the device still needs to be maintained according to its specifications.

Routine checks can help identify problems before the equipment is needed. Depending on the model, the inspection process may include reviewing the readiness indicator, checking the battery status, confirming that electrode pads remain within their expiry period and looking for visible damage.

The exact requirements vary between devices. Some AEDs perform automatic self-tests and display a status indicator, while maintenance schedules and replacement intervals depend on the manufacturer and model. An automatic self-test should not be treated as a substitute for all inspections or for following the manufacturer's maintenance instructions.

A documented inspection routine can help organisations keep track of their equipment and assign responsibility for any required action. It also provides a clear process for reporting faults and arranging replacements.

Understanding AED Batteries and Replacement Pads

Batteries and electrode pads are two important components of defibrillator readiness. Organisations should understand the replacement requirements for their particular device and keep track of the relevant dates.

AED batteries have specified service lives and operating conditions. A battery may need replacement because it has reached the end of its service period, has been depleted or has been identified as requiring attention by the device. Organisations should follow the manufacturer's guidance rather than relying on a general replacement interval for every model.

Electrode pads also have expiry dates. Their condition and packaging should be checked as directed by the manufacturer, and expired or damaged pads should be replaced with compatible products. After an AED has been used, the pad set will generally need to be replaced before the equipment is returned to service, according to the device instructions.

Keeping suitable replacement supplies available can help reduce the time required to restore readiness when a component reaches the end of its service life. However, compatibility is essential. Businesses should confirm that replacement batteries and pads are designed for the exact defibrillator model they own.

NEANN's product range includes HeartSine and Defibtech defibrillators and related accessories. Organisations can use the available product information to identify relevant equipment, while checking manufacturer specifications before ordering replacement components.

Creating a Practical Inspection Schedule

A maintenance programme should be straightforward enough to follow consistently. Organisations can nominate a responsible person, establish an inspection frequency based on manufacturer instructions and applicable requirements, and record the outcome of each check.

A basic inspection record may include the following details:

The device's location and model.

The date of the inspection and the name of the person completing it.

The operational status indicated by the AED.

The battery status and relevant service or replacement dates.

The electrode pad expiry date and packaging condition.

The condition of the device, storage cabinet and carry case.

Any missing accessories, faults or corrective actions required.

The date on which identified issues were resolved.

These records can help a facilities manager, first aid coordinator or safety officer identify recurring problems and confirm that required actions have been completed. The record-keeping process should complement, rather than replace, the inspection and servicing instructions supplied with the equipment.

Where a fault is identified, the device should be managed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. If another AED is available, the organisation should consider how emergency coverage will be maintained while the affected unit is assessed or serviced.

Choosing Appropriate Storage for the Environment

Storage conditions can affect how well an AED is protected and how easily it can be accessed. A device kept in a reception area may have different requirements from one installed near a sports field, warehouse loading zone or outdoor recreation area.

An indoor cabinet or wall-mounted holder can help make a defib machine easy to identify and retrieve. Outdoor installations may require a cabinet suitable for the relevant environmental conditions, including the temperature range and exposure to dust or moisture specified by the manufacturer.

Organisations should check the device's operating and storage limits before choosing a location. A cabinet should not be assumed to protect equipment adequately unless it is suitable for the intended environment.

Access also matters. A device stored in a locked room, behind stacked supplies or in an area that is unavailable outside normal business hours may be difficult to retrieve during an emergency. Clear signage and sensible placement can help people find the equipment quickly.

Carry cases may be appropriate for mobile teams or locations where equipment needs to be transported. The selected case should be compatible with the device and should not interfere with access to the equipment when it is needed.

Maintaining Readiness in Busy Workplaces and Public Facilities

Organisations with multiple sites may need a coordinated approach to defibrillator inspections. A central register can help track each unit's location, model, battery status, pad expiry date and inspection history.

This approach can be useful for businesses operating several offices, warehouses, retail sites or community facilities. It can also make it easier to identify devices approaching a replacement date and organise compatible supplies before they are needed.

Changes to a building's layout or operating arrangements should prompt a review of the AED location. If the device is relocated, staff should be informed and signage and emergency procedures should be updated.

AED readiness should also be reviewed after an emergency, a device fault, equipment damage or any event that may have affected its condition. The manufacturer or an authorised service provider should be consulted when the required action is beyond the scope of routine checks.

Training and Clear Responsibility Support Equipment Readiness

Maintenance procedures are more effective when employees understand their responsibilities. A nominated first aid coordinator or facilities manager can oversee inspections, while trained staff can familiarise themselves with the device location and the emergency response process.

Training and familiarisation sessions can explain how to recognise a potential cardiac arrest, call Triple Zero (000), follow the emergency call-taker's instructions, begin CPR when indicated and use an AED according to its prompts.

Organisations should also explain how equipment problems are reported. Employees need to know whom to contact if an indicator shows a fault, pads are missing or the device appears damaged. A clear reporting process can help prevent an identified issue from remaining unresolved.

An AED is only one component of a broader emergency response. Its presence should support, not replace, appropriate first aid arrangements, emergency procedures and CPR awareness.

Meeting Applicable Requirements

Maintenance obligations and public access requirements depend on the jurisdiction and type of premises. In South Australia, requirements introduced from 1 January 2026 under the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 apply to certain public buildings, facilities and vehicles. These requirements include provisions relating to installation, registration, signage, accessibility and maintenance.

Organisations should consult the relevant legislation, government guidance and device manufacturer to determine what applies to their circumstances. They should not assume that the same legal requirements apply to every Australian workplace or public facility.

Regardless of whether a specific legal obligation applies, routine checks are a practical way to manage equipment that an organisation expects to rely on during an emergency.

Making Equipment Readiness an Ongoing Priority

Defibrillator readiness depends on more than buying a suitable device. Regular inspections, compatible replacement supplies, appropriate storage and clear responsibility all contribute to maintaining equipment in a condition suitable for emergency use.

A defib machine should be incorporated into the organisation's ongoing first aid and safety procedures, with inspection records and corrective actions reviewed as part of normal operations. This helps ensure that battery and pad replacement dates are not overlooked and that any faults are addressed appropriately.

NEANN provides defibrillators and associated accessories, including products from HeartSine and Defibtech, for Australian medical and emergency response requirements. Organisations reviewing their equipment arrangements can consult the available product information and confirm the maintenance requirements for their selected model.

About NEANN

NEANN is an Australian supplier of medical equipment and emergency response supplies and is a division of RAPP Australia Pty Ltd. Its product range includes defibrillators, resuscitation equipment, first aid supplies and accessories for professional and emergency care applications.