Maintenance of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs)
- Safety Flash
- Published on 19 November 2015
- Generated on 22 August 2025
- IMCA SF 18/15
- 1 minute read
During a recent audit, a Member discovered significant non-conformances pertaining to the storage and maintenance of AED.
What happened?
The consequences were potentially significant, and immediate re-assessment was undertaken of all such equipment at that member’s dive sites. AEDs should be available for immediate usage.
Our member’s audit process noted the following non-conformances:
The battery had been removed or had been fitted incorrectly to the device. This was contrary to advice in the user manual for the item
The pads on the AED were out of date
Our member considers this to be a significant issue. Inspection of other sites revealed that in some cases batteries were removed or detached from the units. Removing or detaching the batteries from these units will prevent the unit being used for an additional sixty seconds, and lessens the chances of survival for the patient.
Our Member took the following actions:
- Confirmed that the battery was fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Confirmed that all equipment associated with the AED was ‘in-date’.
- Tested the readiness of AED in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Appropriately trained personnel conducted a familiarization session on use of the AED with all of the crew.
- Ensured that the maintenance of the AED was added to the appropriate planned maintenance system.
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