Very Important AED Safety Information
When you purchase an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), it’s easy to assume it will always be ready when needed.
But like any life-saving medical device, AEDs require ongoing maintenance — and key components do expire.
👉 The most important parts to monitor are:
- AED pads
- AED batteries
In this guide, we’ll explain what expires, when to replace it, and how to ensure your AED is always rescue-ready in Canada.
⏳ Do AEDs Expire?
The AED unit itself does not have a fixed expiry date, but it does have a typical lifespan of 8–10 years depending on the model and manufacturer.
However, the critical components inside the AED do expire, including:
- ⚡ Electrode pads 👉 Shop replacement pads: https://aed.ca/collections/aed-pads
- 🔋 Battery 👉 Shop AED batteries: https://aed.ca/collections/aed-batteries
👉 If these components are expired, your AED may not function properly in an emergency.
🩺 Do AED Pads Expire?
Yes — AED pads always expire.
Why do pads expire?
AED pads contain a conductive gel that:
- Helps deliver the electrical shock effectively
- Adheres properly to the patient’s skin
Over time, this gel:
- Dries out
- Becomes less effective
- May not deliver a proper shock
⏱ Typical AED Pad Lifespan
- Usually 2–5 years, depending on the manufacturer
🚨 When should you replace AED pads?
- Before the printed expiry date
- Immediately after use
- If packaging is damaged or opened
👉 View all replacement pads here: https://aed.ca/collections/aed-pads
🔋 Do AED Batteries Expire?
Yes — AED batteries also expire and must be replaced.
Why batteries expire:
- Gradual loss of charge over time
- Environmental factors (temperature, storage conditions)
- Internal chemical degradation
⏱ Typical AED Battery Lifespan
- Usually 2–5 years (standby life)
- Shorter if the AED has been used
🚨 When should you replace AED batteries?
- When the AED indicates low battery
- Before the expiry date
- After a rescue (in many cases)
👉 Browse AED batteries: https://aed.ca/collections/aed-batteries
🧾 What Happens If AED Parts Are Expired?
Using an AED with expired components can result in:
- ❌ Failure to deliver a shock
- ❌ Poor pad adhesion
- ❌ Reduced effectiveness during resuscitation
👉 In a cardiac emergency, this can be the difference between life and death.
🔔 How to Keep Your AED Rescue-Ready
Maintaining your AED doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does need to be consistent.
✅ Best practices:
- Check pad and battery expiry dates regularly
- Perform routine visual inspections
- Ensure status indicator shows “ready”
- Keep maintenance records
- Register your AED (where applicable in Canada)
🇨🇦 Are There AED Maintenance Requirements in Canada?
While regulations vary by province, organizations are generally expected to:
- Maintain AEDs in working condition
- Replace expired components
- Keep records of inspections
- Ensure devices are accessible and ready
🛠 The Easiest Way to Manage AED Expiry
Tracking expiry dates manually can be:
- Easy to forget
- Time-consuming
- Risky
That’s why many organizations choose a fully managed maintenance plan.
🛟 Stay Covered with the AED Full-Service Maintenance Plan
AED.ca offers a complete solution to ensure your device is always ready:
✔ Pads replacement included
✔ Battery replacement included
✔ Expiry tracking and alerts
✔ Annual inspections
✔ Compliance support
✔ Loaner AED coverage
👉 Explore the AED Maintenance Plan: https://aed.ca/pages/aed-maintenance-plans
💡 Final Thoughts
AEDs don’t “expire” — but the parts that matter most do.
If pads or batteries are expired, your AED may not function when you need it most.
👉 The key is simple:
Stay proactive, stay compliant, and ensure your AED is always rescue-ready.
🚀 Need Help Managing Your AED?
Whether you own one AED or manage multiple devices across locations, AED.ca can help.
👉 Shop AEDs in Canada: https://aed.ca/collections/aed-defibrillators
👉 Contact AED.ca today: https://aed.ca/pages/contact
👤 About AED.ca
AED.ca is a Canadian leader in automated external defibrillator (AED) sales, service, and support. We help organizations and individuals across Canada improve cardiac emergency preparedness through high-quality AED products, expert guidance, and comprehensive maintenance solutions.
From workplaces and schools to community organizations and homeowners, AED.ca is committed to helping ensure every AED is rescue-ready when it matters most.
👤 About Martin Andrews
Martin Andrews is the President of AED.ca and a leading advocate for public access defibrillation across Canada. With years of experience in the AED industry, Martin has helped many organizations implement effective AED programs that improve safety, compliance, and emergency readiness.
He is passionate about increasing awareness around sudden cardiac arrest and ensuring that more communities are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to save lives.
