AED Readiness Checklist: 10 Things Every Safety Manager Should Review Each Month

A monthly AED readiness checklist keeps your automated external defibrillators compliant, rescue-ready, and free of the small oversights that cause device failure during a cardiac emergency.

Most AEDs sit untouched for weeks at a time. A dead battery, an expired pad, or a blocked cabinet can turn a life-saving device into a liability, and no one notices until an audit or an actual emergency exposes the gap. A consistent monthly inspection closes that gap.

This guide gives safety managers a clear AED inspection checklist covering ten items to review every month. Each one takes minutes to check and protects your organization from failed devices and compliance problems.

Why a Monthly AED Inspection Matters

Sudden cardiac arrest survival drops about 10% for every minute without defibrillation. If your AED does not work on the first attempt, the outcome can change in seconds.

A monthly AED inspection catches problems early. It also builds the documented record many state Good Samaritan laws require to maintain legal protection. An AED compliance checklist is not extra work. It is the foundation of a functioning readiness program.

The 10-Point Monthly AED Readiness Checklist

Review these ten items at every device, every month. Record the results as you go.

1. Status Indicator

Confirm the readiness indicator shows a green check or "OK" status. A red X or blank screen means the device failed a self-test and needs attention now.

2. Pad Expiration Dates

Read the expiration date on the electrode pads through the clear window. The conductive gel dries out over time, so replace any pads within 90 days of expiring. Do not wait for the printed date to pass.

3. Battery Status and Expiration

Check the battery install date and expiration. Lithium AED batteries typically last 2 to 5 years depending on the model. Replace before expiration, not after a low-battery warning appears.

4. Spare Pad and Battery Stock

Confirm you have unexpired backup pads and a spare battery on hand for each unit. Verify the spares themselves have not expired in storage.

5. Physical Cabinet Condition

Inspect the cabinet, wall mount, and alarm. Make sure the seal is intact, the door opens freely, and nothing blocks access to the device.

6. Pediatric Components

Verify the pediatric key or pediatric pads are present and current. These are easy to overlook and often expire on a separate schedule from the adult pads.

7. Signage Visibility

Check that AED signage is clean, visible, and readable from a distance. Staff and bystanders need to locate the device quickly under stress.

8. Maintenance Log

Update your AED maintenance log with the date, inspector name, and results. Note any items that need follow-up. A cloud-based log is harder to lose or falsify than paper.

9. Training Currency

Confirm your designated responders hold active CPR and AED certification. Most credentials require renewal every two years. Flag anyone approaching expiration.

10. EMS Registration and Wireless Monitoring

Verify each device is registered with local emergency medical services and that its serial number is current. If your AEDs use wireless monitoring, confirm the connection is active and reporting status. Automated monitoring backs up your manual checks and flags faults in real time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Logging "checked" without actually reading expiration dates
• Storing spare pads and batteries past their own shelf life
• Skipping pediatric components during the review
• Keeping paper logs that get lost or filled in after the fact

From Manual Checks to a Managed Readiness Program

Manual inspections work only when someone remembers to do them correctly at every location, every month. That is a fragile system, especially across multiple sites.

An automated AED readiness program removes that risk. Wireless monitoring verifies device health daily, tracks expiration dates, and ships replacement supplies before they run out. Instead of hoping a walkthrough happens, you get continuous oversight and audit-ready records.

Keep Every Device Rescue-Ready

A monthly checklist protects your people and your organization. Ten items, a few minutes per device, and a documented log give you a defensible, functioning program.

Premedics helps safety managers keep every AED compliant and rescue-ready. We serve businesses and organizations nationwide with turnkey, wireless, and fully managed AED programs that handle monitoring, supplies, and compliance for you.

Ready to take the guesswork out of AED readiness? Visit premedics.com to schedule a consultation and get a complete readiness evaluation.