An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart rhythm to normal. Ventricular fibrillation is the uncoordinated heart rhythm most often responsible for sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when ventricular fibrillation takes place or when the heart stops beating altogether. Without medical attention, the victim collapses, loses consciousness, becomes unresponsive, and dies. Many victims have no prior history of heart disease and are stricken without warning. Chances of survival from sudden cardiac death diminish by 7 – 10 percent for each minute without immediate CPR or defibrillation. After 10 minutes, resuscitation rarely succeeds. Automated external defibrillators are generally either kept where health professionals and first responders can use them (health facilities and ambulances) as well as public access units which can be found in public places including corporate and government offices, shopping centres, restaurants, public transport, and any other location where people may congregate.

Inspection Cycles

Under current Michigan law, AEDs are only required to be installed in health clubs and have no specified inspection interval.  AED owners are legally responsible to ensure compliance and emergency readiness of their AEDs. Each unit must meet certain requirements from the FDA and individual AED manufacturers.

Common Deficiencies

A deficiency is identified during regular inspections when the devices and components do not meet FDA standards or manufacturer requirements. Here are a few commonly found deficiencies for AEDs:

• Expired batteries
• Expired pads
• Installation location that is not climate controlled
• Difficult to find or inaccessible

Related Services

• Monthly, semi-annual or Annual Inspection
• Drop Ship and delivery of replacement supplies
• Maintenance
• 3rd party AED instruction