Why Maintenance Matters Just as Much as the Device Itself

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save lives. Across Canada, more businesses, schools, churches, sports facilities, and community organizations are receiving donated AEDs from generous individuals, foundations, corporations, and fundraising campaigns. These donations come from a genuine desire to protect people and improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.

But there is an important issue that is often overlooked after the donation takes place:

Who is responsible for maintaining the AED long-term?

An AED that is not properly maintained can create a dangerous false sense of security. While having an AED available is far better than having no AED at all, a neglected device may fail when it is needed most.

Donating an AED Is a Great Thing

There is no question that donated AEDs have helped save lives throughout Canada. Many organizations simply would not have access to an AED without community support or donor funding.

Donations help:

Increase public access to defibrillation
Improve emergency preparedness
Protect staff, customers, students, athletes, and visitors
Raise awareness about cardiac arrest survival

The intention behind AED donations is incredibly positive. The problem usually does not begin on day one.

The problem often begins years later.

The Real Risk Starts After Installation

Once an AED is installed on the wall, many organizations assume the device will simply continue working indefinitely.

Unfortunately, AEDs require ongoing maintenance and inspections to remain rescue-ready.

Over time:

Electrode pads expire
Batteries expire
Software updates may be required
Cabinets or alarms can malfunction
Damage or theft may go unnoticed
Monthly inspections may stop being completed
Staff turnover causes responsibility gaps

In many organizations, the person originally responsible for the AED leaves the company or changes roles. Over time, maintenance tasks can easily fall through the cracks.

This is especially common in:

Volunteer-run organizations
Small businesses
Churches
Sports leagues
Seasonal facilities
Non-profits
Community centres

The Greater Liability: Having an AED That Does Not Work

One of the biggest misconceptions is that simply owning an AED eliminates risk.

In reality, there can be significant liability and emotional consequences associated with having an AED present that fails during an emergency due to poor maintenance.

Imagine this scenario:

A cardiac arrest occurs. Staff rush to retrieve the AED. But when they open the device:

The battery is dead
The pads expired years ago
The device fails its self-test
The rescue kit is missing
The AED was damaged and nobody noticed

That situation can be devastating for everyone involved.

A non-functioning AED may create:

Delays in treatment
Reduced survival chances
Increased legal exposure
Emotional trauma for responders
Reputational damage for organizations

Having an AED is not enough. Maintaining it is what truly protects lives.

Why AED Maintenance Is Often Missed

Most organizations do not intentionally neglect their AED.

The reality is that people are busy.

Even organizations with the best intentions can lose track of maintenance because:

Staff responsibilities change
Monthly checks are forgotten
Expiration dates sneak up unexpectedly
Multiple locations become difficult to manage
Inspection logs are inconsistent
Nobody is clearly accountable

This is why many organizations across Canada are moving toward professional AED management programs instead of relying solely on manual internal checks.

What Proper AED Maintenance Should Include

A proper AED maintenance program should include:

Regular AED inspections
Battery monitoring
Electrode pad expiration tracking
Replacement reminders
Rescue-ready verification
Inspection documentation
Compliance support
Ongoing monitoring of device status indicators

Organizations should also ensure:

The AED is easily accessible
Staff know where it is located
Emergency response plans are in place
The device is registered and documented

The Benefits of a Professional AED Maintenance Program

Professional AED management services help reduce the risk of devices being overlooked over time.

A formal maintenance program ensures that AEDs remain rescue-ready year after year.

Benefits of a managed program can include:

Scheduled AED checks / inspections
Detailed reporting
Expiration tracking
Automatic Pads and Battery changes
Device status verification
National support
Reduced administrative burden

Most importantly, it helps provide peace of mind that the AED will be ready if a life depends on it.

Donating an AED Is Only the First Step

AED donations save lives. Communities should absolutely continue supporting public access defibrillation initiatives.

But every organization receiving a donated AED should also ask an important question:

Who will maintain this AED over the next 5 to 10 years?

Because the goal is not simply to have an AED on the wall.

The goal is to have a fully functional AED ready to respond during a cardiac emergency.

About AED.ca

AED.ca is a Canadian supplier of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), AED accessories, and nationwide AED maintenance services. AED.ca helps businesses, schools, sports organizations, churches, and public facilities improve cardiac emergency preparedness through AED sales, inspection programs, training support, and long-term device management solutions across Canada.