Your automated external defibrillator (AED) is one of the most important safety tools in your facility. In a cardiac emergency, it could save a life. Although not everyone can survive sudden cardiac arrest, studies show that early defibrillation can dramatically improve survival rates. For this reason it is important to evaluate the age and capabilities of your AEDs to determine if it is time for a replacement.
There are currently two sources that regularly review depreciation of medical supplies. The American Hospital Association’s 2004 Estimated Useful Lives of Depreciable Hospital Assets lists the life expectancy of a defibrillator at five years. The Department of the Army Technical Bulletin (TB MED 7) lists life expectancy of a defibrillator at eight years.
Manufacturers typically discontinue products when parts become obsolete and are no longer available for service and repairs. If your warranty is expired, it can become cost-prohibitive to service or upgrade the unit. Check with your manufacturer for any take-back or trade-in discounts that can help offset the cost of replacement. When you decide it’s time to replace your AEDs, ask about the warranty period of your new devices. This is generally an indicator of the quality and reliability of the units.