On a routine inspection we were completing in Tennessee last month, our technician was testing and inventorying two Philips AEDs. What we found was, unfortunately, more common than we would like to see. The first Philips Onsite AED had the battery removed. When installing the battery into the AED, it turned out to be dead. Upon asking the site manager why this AED was not prepared to use we were told that it had been “beeping.” AEDs from all manufacturers run periodic self-tests (the frequency varies by manufacturer). If the self-test determines that the device is in need of attention, it will alarm you. In the case of the Philips Onsite, it was beeping because the battery was below the predetermined, acceptable level (normally ~20%). At this level, the battery still has several shocks left in it, but a replacement battery must be ordered. Medical staff constantly juggle many responsibilities during the day, and one day it was easier to remove the battery to stop the beeping than it was to take the time to turn the device on and listen for instructions. In this case, the device would have said, “battery low, replace battery.”
The second Philips Onsite was found to be inoperable due to having training pads installed rather than adult or pediatric pads. The Philips Onsite uses a “cartridge” that fits into the face of the AED. The cartridge is either for adult pads, pediatric pads or training pads. The training pads will NOT deliver a life-saving shock. The solution for busy medical facilities, schools or other public access areas is a tracking and reminder software that sends monthly emails directing the recipient to visually inspect the AED to confirm the indicator projects a ready-to-use status.
eBioTrack from Edge Biomedical will perform this service and is mobile-optimized so the user can confirm the AED’s status and document that the inspection was completed right from their phone or tablet. eBioTrack also utilizes QR code technology that will take the user straight to the tagged device by scanning with any smartphone. While eBioTrack tracks all kinds of assets, myAED from Coro Medical and AED.US is designed specifically for AEDs and their accessories. An easy-to-use smartphone app allows users to visually inspect any AED, log that it “passed” and move on with their day. With both eBioTrack and myAED, your pads, batteries and other disposables (like QuickClot and Stop the Bleed Kits) are tracked by expiration dates, and email reminders are sent when it is time to replace them.
We have never met someone with the title “AED Manager.” This responsibility always falls to someone with their own list of responsibilities. A software solution to ensure compliance and a state of readiness is an easy and necessary answer.
Sources
EDGE. “Edge Biomedical.” www.edgebiomed.com. 20 March 2020.
Written by Blaire Czarniecki
Customer Service Director
Fact checked by Phillip Woods, BA, NREMT-P, FP-C
Blaire attended the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology- Child and Family Studies. She has been in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) industry for over eight years and is the Director of Customer Service for Coro Medical. Blaire is also an American Red Cross-certified CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, highly trained by each manufacturer on their specific AEDs, and knowledgeable regarding ALL State AED regulations and legislation.
“I know that every day I come to work, I am playing a part in saving someone’s life. I am passionate about these devices and am always looking for new and innovative ways to spread awareness and knowledge about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). I look forward to the day when everywhere I go, I will see an AED—when SCA will no longer take any lives.”
Last updated March 10, 2020