AED’s are sophisticated devices and are easy to use but they do require some minimal inspection to verify they are working properly. Having an AED present on-site is not enough to help save lives; you need to ensure that proper care and maintenance is being practiced most to preserve its high usability. Remember that AEDS are manmade apparatuses therefore glitches can happen anytime. To prevent these minute problems that can later turn big, why don’t you read these tips and tricks below and easily learn how to care for your Automatic External Defibrillator's.
1. Daily inspection is needed – let’s start from the simplest maintenance tip which is the daily inspection of your unit. Remember that your AED should have a flashing black hourglass that indicates the “use” readiness of the device. Some manufacturers may use different symbols so please refer to your user manual and check which indicator signal its readiness for use. Should the device is not ready for use, immediately contact a trained personnel or manufacturer to help resolve the problem.
2. Weekly inspection of the unit – you should also carry out a weekly inspection (preferably during weekends) to ensure that the device is working great. On weekly inspections, make sure that all stuffs related to AED like pads, PC cards, kits gloves are always in place and ready for use. Cleaning is also necessary to make AED units always fresh and free from harmful bacteria. Do not put any chemicals into the device without consulting the user manual. Disposable supplies should also be properly discarded to prevent transfer of microorganisms.
3. Monthly check ups – to prevent AED failure, always do monthly check ups to the unit. Make sure that all supplies are within the date of use and those that are expired should be replaced immediately. AED pads should be replaced when worn out or as prescribe by the manufacturer. Should you have non working aed batteries, call the manufacturer and ask for immediate replacement. Remember that BIT or Battery Insertion Test should always be practiced before putting back the device.
4. Yearly inspections – once a year self test is a must to ensure that your AED unit is free from technical issues or damages. Calling the manufacturer and asking for a self test will easily do the trick. Batteries should also be checked for its shelf life, remember that not all batteries are made to last forever. Cables and physical structure of the device should also be inspected to ensure that there’s no loose wiring, physical dents, cracks present on the device.
Automatic External Defibrillators can really help save lives and this is a fact not fiction. The life saving capabilities of an AED is more than enough to protect and keep them well maintained all the time. Remember that AEDs are so important should an SCA happen so don’t jeopardize the health and lives of the others, don’t overlook the device but rather keep them well maintained all the time.
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