AED

Considered an automated external defibrillator (AED) critical utility to save a person suffering from cardiac arrest, it is imperative to keep them working at optimal conditions. Great attention must also be paid on how to properly store AED equipment in order to guarantee its upkeep.

Here are briefly presented some general tips regarding AED storage location, temperature, and maintenance.

Location

Regardless of where we are: schools, working places, department stores, government facilities, when we are in public areas, staff and passersby need to be made aware of AED presence.

AED tools should ideally be set on wall mounting units in a visible location and easily accessible by anyone. The AED wall bracket is usually identifiable thanks to the colored labels, and they should always be placed at roughly 5 feet from the ground. At this height, in fact, the AED can be reached by any adults and, at the same time, kept out of children’s touch.

AED Location

Storage Temperature

Another important factor that comes into place when purchasing an AED is the storage temperature. Storing the AED equipment at an incorrect temperature may hinder it, resulting in performance deficiency during emergency situations.

Optimal storage temperature should be indicated by the manufacturer. Usually, though, it ranges from 0° to 50°C. (around 32° to 122° Fahrenheit) [1]. This temperature should ensure the device’s best functionality.

Storing the AED at too high or too low temperature may directly influence its main functions, such as lack of sensitivity, reduced conductivity, and batteries longevity.

In addition, as the AED toolkit also includes pads with watery gel substance, it should be placed far for heat sources. Excessive heat exposure could make the water inside the pads evaporate, making them misfunctioning, not attaching properly to the victims, therefore, compromising defibrillation shocks. Defaulting tools could eventually lead to patient death.

On the other hand, when located in the outdoors, AEDs should be installed not in the direct sunlight but in a cool, ventilated environment.

AED Storage Temperature

Maintenance

Remember to run regular checks in order to assess AEDs optimal status. To this end, we always strongly recommend the implementation of an AED wall mounting unit to safely preserve the AED toolkit.

Besides keeping the AED device accessible and protected by temperature, their secondary function is to shelter them from external agents like dirt and dust, which may as well jeopardize employment.

AED

Conclusion

Mindray, with its 29 years of experience in medical device research, development and manufacture, devotes itself to providing better healthcare for all. The company, with its trusted reputation, offers certified and reliable solutions for medical equipment of a wide range, from patient monitoring, to ultrasound systems, in-vitro diagnostics, and AED as well as its associated accessories. Each of them, designed to be the perfect answer to modern society’s high healthcare requirements.

References:

[1] High Temperatures Putting Your AED At Risk. (2015). Available at:

http://www.aed.com/blog/high-temperatures-putting-your-aed-at-risk/  (Accessed: 7 April 2020)