Top AED Maintenance Mistakes

●    Many AED programs fail due to preventable maintenance errors like expired pads, skipped inspections and poor placement.

●   This article identifies the top most common mistakes and provides actionable steps to address each using proper checklists and tags.

●    It reinforces that AED compliance is not a one-time task but an ongoing responsibility that protects both lives and organizations from liability.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are powerful tools that save lives during cardiac emergencies—but only when they work as intended. Unfortunately, many organizations unknowingly compromise their AED readiness through preventable maintenance errors. From expired pads to expired batteries, these small oversights can render an AED useless in a critical moment. In this article, we’ll explore the top common AED maintenance mistakes that undermine device readiness and safety—and how to avoid them. If your AED program aims to be effective, compliant, and dependable, steering clear of these pitfalls is non-negotiable.

❌ Mistake 1: Skipping Regular AED Inspections

An AED may appear fine on the surface, but its internal components—like batteries and electrodes—may be expired, damaged, or disconnected. One of the most common failures in AED maintenance is simply not checking the device regularly.

●  Solution: Stick to a scheduled AED inspection checklist.

●  Use physical or digital AED inspection tags to record each check.

●  Verify battery status, pad condition, and readiness indicator lights.

Even AEDs with self-check features benefit from human verification. Regular inspections are your first line of defense against device failure.

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring Expiration Dates on Pads and Batteries

Pads and batteries don’t last forever, and using expired ones can result in shock delivery failure or inaccurate readings. Yet many organizations store AEDs for years without ever replacing components.

●  Solution: Add pad and battery expiration dates to your AED maintenance checklist.

●  Keep extra pads and batteries on hand for emergency replacement.

●  Don’t assume the AED self-test will catch expiration—it won’t always notify you.

❌ Mistake 3: Poor AED Placement and Obstructed Access

Even a fully functional AED is useless if people can’t find it quickly. Common issues include AEDs locked in offices, hidden behind furniture, or mounted without proper signage.

●  Solution: Install AEDs in high-traffic, easily visible locations.

●  Ensure compliance with placement standards—typically, a device should be within 3-minute walk from anywhere onsite.

●  Include AED services that assess proper placement and signage.

This mistake isn’t about technical failure—it’s about accessibility. In an emergency, every second matters.

❌ Mistake 4: Treating Compliance as a One-Time Task

Many organizations treat AED setup as a one-and-done project—ignoring the fact that AED compliance is a moving target. Laws change, components expire, and staff turnover leaves training gaps.

●  Solution: Establish an ongoing comprehensive AED service approach.

●  Regularly update your AED inspection checklist based on state guidelines.

●  Consider external support to stay on top of evolving regulations.

A truly comprehensive AED service evolves with your organization, ensuring your device is always legally and medically ready to perform.

✅ How to Prevent These Mistakes with a Reliable AED Program

Avoiding these five mistakes starts with a clear, consistent approach to AED management:

1. Create a formal schedule for inspections and maintenance.
   
2. Train key staff members on how to inspect an AED properly.
   
3. Use standardized guidelines and tagging.
   
4. Keep a digital or physical logbook of all activity.
   
5. Stay updated on state-specific AED compliance laws.
   

These simple, repeatable actions help organizations prevent downtime, reduce risk, and maintain readiness at all times.

🔚 Conclusion

These top common maintenance mistakes we’ve outlined—skipping inspections, ignoring expiration dates, poor placement, and treating compliance as a one-time task—are easy to fall into, especially for busy teams.

The good news? Each mistake is preventable with a structured, well-documented AED maintenance program. Regular inspections using a consistent AED inspection checklist, timely replacements of pads and batteries, visible signage, and accurate records all contribute to real readiness.

If your organization is responsible for AEDs—whether in a school, office, fitness center, or public venue—now is the time to audit your current practices. Are your devices inspected? Are your components up to date? Are your logs in order? Taking the time to answer these questions now may one day help save a life.

Organizations that prioritize AED readiness don’t just meet the standard—they set it. And if you’re looking for guidance on building a solid AED compliance program, companies like Vital AED Solutions offer services that can help keep your team on the right track—quietly, efficiently, and reliably.