How to stop overpaying for defibrillator servicing
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can dramatically improve survival outcomes of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. That’s why more schools are procuring AEDs as part of their broader first aid and workplace safety strategy; we know that lives have already been saved in schools around Australia.
However, as AEDs become more commonplace, a trend has emerged in the provider marketplace: unnecessary servicing pitches, confusing maintenance contracts, and expensive compliance up-sells that simply aren’t necessary.
For business and facilities managers, school nurses and first aiders, it can be difficult to distinguish genuine safety requirements from clever sales tactics. As a result, some schools find themselves locked into excessive servicing programs, unnecessary replacements, or maintenance retainer fees that add no value or effectiveness to the actual AED unit.
The good news is that AED maintenance is much simpler than most people realise. Understanding what actually needs checking (and what doesn’t) can help schools stay compliant, have their AED ready for an emergency, and avoid wasting money.
Why defibrillator servicing causes so much confusion
As life-saving medical devices, the assumption is that defibrillators are highly technical and require constant specialist servicing or complex maintenance programs.
But high-quality AEDs are designed to be simple, reliable, and easy to maintain. Most models have built-in technology that performs automatic self-checks for battery status, internal circuitry, pad connectivity, and overall readiness. All without human involvement.
Unfortunately, companies that offer unnecessary servicing packages, or recommend full unit replacement outside of manufacturer requirements, are exploiting the understandable fear of non-compliance or equipment failure during an emergency.
What sort of maintenance is required for a defibrillator
Unlike photocopiers or school buses, defibrillator units don’t actually need mechanical servicing. Instead, schools can inspect their units and manage consumables in-house:
Ensure the unit:
• Performs and passes self-checks
• Is undamaged
• Is stored appropriately
• Is used according to manufacturer’s instructions
Components should be regularly checked:
• Battery installation dates should be monitored, and batteries replaced at expiry or after the unit has been used in a rescue event
• Pads need replacing after use, or if packaging has been opened or tampered with, or once the expiry date has passed, whichever happens first
• Prep kit components also need to be monitored for expiry, and the kit fully replaced after use
How to know if your AED is ready for an emergency
Regular inspections of the defibrillator unit are the best way to ensure your AED is always ready for a life-saving emergency.
Check that:
• Status or service light is flashing “ready”
• Unit is not physically damaged
• Unit is protected from weather and environmental exposure
• Manufacturer instructions are being followed
If the device appears faulty - eg. starts beeping despite pads and batteries being within expiry - check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Failing a resolution, contact the supplier. If required, they can help you return the unit to the manufacturer for further assessment or repair.
AED inspections can be easily self-managed or else included in your regular first aid kit servicing program.
Warning signs of opportunistic maintenance operators
Some AED suppliers provide practical support and genuine advice. But others rely on over-selling and apprehension.
Be aware of operators that insist your defibrillator unit needs replacing after only a few years, despite normal automatic self-checks showing no faults.
Also take heed of ambiguous ‘compliance servicing’, which may be nothing more than an inspection of the unit and its consumables, bundled into a report with documented expiry and dates and photographs.
Watch for operators that:
• Recommend replacement far earlier than manufacturer guidelines
• Encourage locked-in servicing contracts
• Cause apprehension around legal compliance
• Avoid explaining manufacturer guidelines
• Cannot justify servicing intervals
• Make AED ownership feel complicated or intimidating
Choose a trustworthy AED supplier
Look for a defibrillator supplier that focuses on education and support rather than pressure-selling. School nurses and first aiders should have confidence in using their school’s AED, understanding:
• What inspections are required
• When batteries and pads need replacing
• How the unit’s self-monitoring system works
• What genuine faults look like
• When manufacturer servicing is actually needed
Compliance doesn’t mean over-servicing
Schools need to take liability very seriously in the face of everyday operations, especially if something goes wrong during an emergency.
But AED compliance is generally based on following manufacturer recommendations and appropriate maintenance. Over-servicing does not make a school safer or more compliant.
Importantly, WHS compliance must include:
• Ensuring all staff know where the AED is located
• Keeping school nurses and first aiders up-to-date in CPR and AED use
• Keeping batteries and pads current
• Conducting simple routine inspections
Like many aspects of workplace safety, consistency, preparedness and having practical systems in place matter more than complexity.
Download a checklist to self-manage your school’s defibrillator inspections
Regular inspections will ensure your school’s defibrillator is ready for a life-saving emergency.
AED unit and component inspections are easily self-managed, or may be carried out by your Student First Aid Representative.
Download Student First Aid’s Defibrillator Inspection Checklist here.
References
Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace
WorkSafe Victoria - Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the workplace
Victorian Government - School Operations - First Aid for Students and Staff/Automatic External Defibrillators