Yes, AEDs, AED Batteries, and AED pads do expire or lose effectiveness and will need to be replaced overtime to ensure your AED is ready for an emergency. The AED batteries and pads will expire based on the manufacturer’s recommendation while the AED machine itself doesn’t have a set expiration date, but can be damaged overtime or just lose effectiveness over time. Generally speaking, AEDs that are over 10 years old should be replaced.

Another reason to replace an older AED is because AEDs are always getting more advanced and easy to use, so upgrading to a new one would make it easy to respond if a cardiac emergency were to happen. 

Looking to buy an AED or AED accessories? Shop our collection of AEDs and AED supplies here.

Related Article: What is an AED & Why is it Important?

Why Do AED Batteries Expire?

Just like any battery, it loses power overtime even if it isn’t used. Most AED batteries have a shelf life of 2-5 years, meaning they will need to be replaced once the expiration date is past due to breaking down of the AED battery.

Related Article: AED Maintenance for Schools

How to Replace AED Batteries?

Changing AED batteries is dependent on your AED’s brand. Some you need to buy a battery from an AED supplier and for some you can just buy normal batteries from the store. It is best to read your manufacturer’s manual or look for resources specific to your AED’s brand.

In many cases, you will pull a tab on the back to pop out the old battery cartridge, then put a new one in. Then, for other AEDs, you will open the cover to access the inside of the device and then change the batteries there.

To purchase new AED batteries, shop our AED batteries here or contact us if you don’t see your brand.

Why Do AED Pads Expire?

AED pads expire because they lose adhesion or stickiness and there is reduced conductivity overtime. The loss in adhesion is due to a breakdown and drying of the gel, which results in them sticking less firmly to the chest. This would result in an incomplete connection to deliver a good shock and the pads could fall off during compressions for CPR if they are not well attached.

Then for the reduced conductivity that is caused primarily due to the loss of adhesion. Think about it like a loose connection on a plug that isn’t working. If the pad is not fully adhered, then it won’t have good conductivity. Additionally, the wiring can go bad over time, but the main reason AED pads expire is the loss of stickiness.

Can You Use Expired AED Pads if That is All You Have?

While it is obviously best to use no expired pads, if all you have is expired AED pads, then it is best to see if the pads will stick to the skin well enough. It may be less effective, but it would still be better than not getting a shock at all. Make sure to extra firmly place the pads on the chest in this case.

How to Replace AED Pads?

How to change AED pads depends on the brand you are working with and it is best to look at your owner’s manual or do a search specifically for how to change AED pads on your brand. In most cases, it is as simple as unplugging the old pads and plugging in the new ones. 

To purchase new AED pads, shop our AED pads here or contact us if you don’t see your brand.

Do AED Machines Need to Be Replaced Over Time?

The AED machine itself doesn’t have to be replaced on any set schedule, but over time, it may need to be replaced, especially if it isn’t stored safely, which could lead to damage. To be clear, AED machines themselves don’t have an expiration date, but they do have a warranty expiration date around 7-8 years. As long as you maintain your device, it should last much longer than that.

As long as you maintain your AED and keep it out of harm’s way, it will last a long time, however if it gets damaged or the readiness indicator stops working even after changing the battery, it may be time to replace it. 

Modern AED Advances

There have been many modern AED advances in the past 10 years, meaning AEDs are much easier to use and can now be used on infants in many cases. If you have an older AED without modern features, that might be another reason to upgrade.

Some Modern Features to Look For in an AED:

• A display screen that shows you how to use the AED and perform CPR
• Can work for infants
• Pads are already plugged in
• Has a beeping noise to help you go at the right speed for CPR
• An indicator to tell you if you are pushing hard enough for CPR
• Auto vs Semi Auto AEDs

Ready to Buy an AED or AED Accessories?

Shop our collection of AED supplies and accessories here or contact us and one of our staff members would be glad to help you decide what is the best device for your needs. 

How to Use an AED

Whether you are purchasing an AED or not, everyone should know how to use an AED. Additionally, if you have an AED onsite, you are required to have all “expected users” trained with hands-on training. “Expected users” is up for your interpretation, but whoever you expect to use it needs this training and you must have at least one person onsite whenever in business hours.

We provide fully in-person CPR, AED, and First Aid training at your facility or at exciting classes you can join, and we also provide blended online training across Georgia and South Carolina. The blended online training is where the instruction is online, but the practice is in person. Both training options meet the requirements since the hands on practice is still hands on.

Request a CPR, AED, and First Aid class here or sign up for a CPR, AED, and First Aid class here.

In the meantime, here is a video on how to use an AED. Note that every AED is slightly different and will have some different steps.