AED batteries are the most crucial element in any Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Without a charged and operating battery, an AED will not be rescue ready and can’t shock a victim of sudden cardiac arrest.
What battery does an automated external defibrillator use? Is it possible to recharge an AED battery? If not, how often do I need to change my defibrillator battery? How much does a replacement AED battery cost? Because we are known as an AED superstore, we’ll answer all of your key questions in this blog post.
Something to Consider: It is prudent to analyze the cost associated with each battery versus the longer battery expirations to make your decision. Don’t forget to consider the Opportunity Cost associated with managing and changing batteries and pads more frequently.
If you are changing a lot of pads or batteries more often you could be missing out on managing other projects instead of managing replacement AED batteries.
Note that breaking down the price of the battery per year of lifespan seems to be a good way of analyzing the ongoing cost of ownership with different AEDs but it omits the most important and often overlooked variable you must consider.
Assume you’re comparing the cost of ownership of different AEDs over a period of time. You must factor in the frequency with which you must replace the battery and electrode pads.
Because all new AEDs come with a set of adult electrode pads as well as a battery you must factor into your equation the amount of time before the first set of accessories needs to be replaced. Finding the right battery for your needs is complicated but we can assist you in finding the best AED for your needs.
Here is an example to help you understand how the different batteries come into play. Assume you are considering a Philips Onsite AED and plan to own the AED for 10 years.
Because we are the premier AED superstore in the US, we help companies decide what AED and emergency equipment is best for your organization.
The lifespan and cost of the AED battery are two important items to consider when buying an AED. In addition, AEDs also have electrode pads that expire and must be replaced. For this blog post, we will be focusing on the AED batteries although both the pads and batteries should be factored into calculating the ongoing cost of ownership of your AED.
In general, AED batteries in the United States have a lifespan of two to seven years, depending on the model.
All brands and models in the US have a clear expiration date printed on the battery. There are a few exceptions here:
The Philips HeartStart defibrillator battery has a 4-year standby life (life while installed in the AED and in standby mode) and a 5-year shelf life (when new, uninstalled in the AED).
What is unique with the Philips battery is that there is no expiration date printed on the battery.
The Philips AED battery M5070a does not display an “Expiration Date” on the battery but instead displays an “Install Before” date.
It is very important to record the date you install your Philips battery into your AED for service. When the battery is installed in the device you have 4 years from that date until the battery expires.
*Our free AED management software will make managing one or any number of AEDs you own, simple and easy.
The “Install Before” date represents the Shelf Life of the battery (new and uninstalled in an AED). This date is typically 5 years from the date of purchase. For example, if the “Install Before” date was 2023-05 you could store the battery and safely insert it in your AED during May 2023 to start your 4-year use of the battery giving you an expiration date of May 2027.
Knowing when to change your G5 battery can be a little confusing. On the battery, there is no “Expiration Date” but rather a “Manufactured on Date.”
It’s critical to note the date you placed the G5 battery in your AED for service. When the battery is installed in the device you have 4 years from that date until the battery expires. At AED USA we are known as the largest AED superstore in the country. Our free AED management software will make managing one or any number of AEDs you own, simple and easy.
The battery has a 5-year shelf life (New and Uninstalled) calculated from the “Manufactured on Date”. For example, if the “Manufactured on Date” was 2018-05 you could store the battery and safely insert it in your AED to start your 4-year use of the battery anytime until 2023-05.
In summary, it is extremely important to verify your AEDs are functioning properly with monthly readiness checks. In addition, utilize our free AEDMD management software to track the expiration dates and expiration reminders for all your AED disposables as well as perform monthly readiness checks right on your mobile device. Contact us at AED USA to assist you with setting up your free AEDMD management login.
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