With the increase of AEDs available around New Zealand, so too has businesses looking to service these devices. But a few of these service businesses are putting lives at risk by ‘discharge testing’ the AEDs.
Discharge testing is when the device is connected to a defibrillator tester and a simulated test is carried out to apparently ensure the AED is operating correctly. All this does is flattens the battery and potentially lessens the shelf life of the device and the likelihood of the AED to be ready to use when it counts the most.
To understand this further we must first understand more about these AED’s.
AED stands for Automatic External Defibrillator, ‘Automatic’ is the key word here. At MegaTest we are yet to find an AED in the market in New Zealand, that requires these types of invasive calibration tests (i.e. discharge tests).
MegaTest strongly recommends that the person in charge of the AED in the workplace, club or venue (usually a First Aider) be familiar with the manufacture’s recommendations for the device. If anyone is looking to test (i.e. Connect it to another analyzer tester), the AED you are sure they are doing this in accordance with the manufacture’s recommendations.
Most AEDs do their own self tests weekly, monthly and annually and all the person on site looking after it needs to do monthly, is make sure it hasn’t been opened/ used since last inspection and the indicator light is showing its readiness in case of emergency.
At MegaTest we offer an annual inspection to our existing clients and check the following
· Visual inspection (not damaged or been used)
· Ready to use indication is working
· Battery life expiry date is within tolerance
· Pads expiry date is with tolerance
· Accessories are ready to use (i.e. gloves, razor, alcohol wipes, scissors etc)
Another import thing to consider is that the AED is register on the ‘AED Locations’ app, although this may sometimes not be practical
If you are not sure our MegaTest staff are happy to give independent and free advice because we want these devices to be ready to save lives