Help to Determine When an AED Was Made

Finding the manufacture date of your Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is essential for proper maintenance and ensuring your device remains reliable in emergency situations. The manufacture date helps determine when components need replacement and when the unit might be approaching the end of its service life. Here's how to locate this important information across various AED models:

Common Methods to Find AED Manufacture Dates

Check the Serial Number

Most AEDs encode the manufacture date within the serial number printed on a label on the back or bottom of the device. The format varies by manufacturer:

• Serial number format: Often includes a date code with month/year or year/month
• Example: A serial number like "B19C12345" might indicate manufacture in March 2019 (B = 2nd character representing the month, 19 = year)

Inspect Labels and Stickers

Look for dedicated labels that contain:

• Manufacturing date explicitly stated
• Date of manufacture (DOM)
• Production date
• Batch code

These labels are typically located on:

• The back of the device
• The bottom panel
• Inside the battery compartment
• On the packaging (if you still have it)

Device Software Interface

Some newer AED models display manufacture information on their digital interface:

1. Power on the device (if safe to do so without activating an emergency sequence)
2. Navigate to device information or status menu
3. Look for "About" or "Device Info" sections

Battery and Pad Packaging

Sometimes the manufacture date may be found on:

• The battery pack itself
• The original packaging for the AED pads
• Documentation that came with the device

Manufacturer-Specific Approaches

Philips/HeartStart AEDs

• Look for the "M" number on the back label
• The first four digits after M often represent the manufacture date in YYMM format
• Example: M2006-12345 indicates June 2020

Zoll AEDs

• Serial numbers typically include date codes in the first few characters
• Check the bottom label for a dedicated manufacture date field

Physio-Control/Stryker (LIFEPAK)

• Date is usually clearly marked on the device label
• May include separate manufacturing and shipping dates

Cardiac Science

• Check for a date code on the rear label
• Serial numbers may include manufacture date information

Defibtech

• Manufacture date is typically printed on a label on the bottom of the unit
• May also be accessible through the device's status screen

If You Can't Find the Date

If you're unable to determine the manufacture date from the device itself:

1. Contact the manufacturer with your serial number
2. Check purchase records if you bought the AED new
3. Consult with your AED supplier or distributor
4. Look for maintenance records that might reference the manufacture date

Why Knowing Your AED's Age Matters

• Battery replacement: Most AED batteries need replacement every 2-5 years
• Pad expiration: Electrode pads typically have a 2-5 year shelf life
• Warranty coverage: Manufacturer warranties usually run 5-10 years
• End-of-life planning: Most AEDs have an expected service life of 7-10 years
• Software updates: Older units may need firmware updates

Regularly checking your AED's age and maintenance status is an essential part of ensuring this life-saving device will function properly when needed most.

Remember to document your AED's manufacture date and create a maintenance schedule based on the manufacturer's recommendations to keep your device in optimal working.  Contact AED.ca with any AED questions.  #stopneedlessdeaths

 

 

 

 

 

 

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