High Temperatures Putting Your AED At Risk

Much like concerns for below freezing temperatures affecting the performance of an Automated External Defibrillator, extremely high temperatures can also be detrimental. For a medical device relied upon to restart the heart of a person in sudden cardiac arrest, being ready to perform in an emergency is crucial.

Each AED manufacturer lists an operating temperature range and standby temperaturerange on the AEDs technical data sheet or operator’s manual. Operating temperature refers to the range in which the AED will perform in a rescue situation and is normally listed at 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C) for most units. In order to maximize the life of your AED pads and batteries, the AED unit should not be stored in temperatures that exceed the specified standby temperatures, which can vary by manufacturer. (Please refer to your specific AEDs guidelines here).

Defibrillator pads (electrodes), are placed on the patient’s chest to deliver a necessary shock from the AED to restart a heart experiencing ventricular fibrillation (a dangerous arrhythmia causing the heart to quiver chaotically). If your AED is exposed to extreme high temperatures, overtime the water-based gel on the pads may not perform fully due to excessive evaporation, causing pads to be unable to stick to a patient’s chest accurately to conduct the full electrical shock to the heart. Storing the pads at temperatures exceeding manufacturers’ specifications will cause them to expire prematurely.

Similarly, AED batteries can be affected by the heat. Over time, all batteries naturally self-discharge, which under normal environment conditions, lasts the full period of time specified by the AED manufacturer. Exposed to high temperatures in standby however, causes the battery to discharge prematurely by increasing the rate of discharge, therefore shortening the life of your battery.

Recommendations

1. HeartStation produces a compact Extreme Environment Cabinet capable of accommodating AEDs from Philips, Physio-Control, HeartSine (in soft case).
2. If your AED must be stored outside in an area known for extreme high temperatures, make sure to place the AED in an area that will maximize shaded, cooler temperatures. When possible, store the AED indoors if temperatures are exceeding the standby temperature range specified for your unit.
3. For AEDs stored in vehicles, make sure to routinely check the unit for readiness. If the AED is chirping or displaying a service needed status indicator, take the unit indoors. Try removing the battery and reinstalling to see if the fail status clears. If the AED is still chirping or needs servicing, please call our Service Department at 855-426-3543 or email service@dxemed.com for a free service estimate!

All AED.com employees carry a Recertified AED in their own vehicles. We also recommend bring the AED indoors during extreme temperatures. By placing the AED by the exit door, you can remind yourself to take the AED with you upon leaving.