Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are meant to be rescue-ready the second someone collapses from sudden cardiac arrest. But the reality is, many AEDs sitting on walls right now would fail in an emergency and most people don’t realize it until it’s too late.
In our video, we show you exactly how to spot the warning signs of a broken or unsafe AED so you can catch problems early and avoid a worst-case scenario.
Don’t Just Assume It’s Ready
It’s easy to walk by an AED cabinet and assume the device inside is ready to go. But unless someone’s actively checking it, things can easily slip through the cracks, expired pads, drained batteries, internal malfunctions. And yes, even physical damage.
AEDs are simple devices, but they’re not invincible.
Green Means Good. Red Means Needs Attention.
Every AED has a status indicator—usually a small light or screen that gives you a quick-read of whether it’s working properly.
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✅ Green usually means the device has passed its self-check and is rescue-ready.
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❌ Red, blinking, or an “X” means the AED has failed a self-test and needs attention immediately.
But don’t stop there. Just because the light is green doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.
Open the Case and Check These Things:
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Pads
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Are they sealed and in good condition?
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Are they expired? Pads usually have a 2–4 year shelf life.
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If the packaging is cracked, brittle, yellowing, or tampered with, replace them. Expired or damaged pads won’t conduct properly and can delay or prevent a shock from being delivered.
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Battery
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Check for expiration or install date.
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Some batteries have a test button - use it.
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If the AED is beeping, blinking red, or won’t power on, the battery may be dead or disconnected.
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Expired batteries are one of the most common reasons AEDs fail in real emergencies.
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Case Condition
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Look for cracks, corrosion, moisture buildup, or anything that looks off.
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Corrosion around connectors or battery terminals is a serious safety issue.
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If the device has visible damage, it should be taken out of service until it’s evaluated or replaced.
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Missing Components
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Ensure all parts are inside: pads, battery, rescue kit (scissors, gloves, razor, mask).
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If anything’s missing, the AED is not ready.
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If It Looks Unsafe Don’t Use It
If you notice anything questionable, whether it’s cracked housing, signs of corrosion, missing seals, or a failed indicator light, it’s not safe to use. AEDs should be stored in clean, dry conditions and kept up to date. If it looks like it’s been ignored, it probably has.
It Takes One Minute. Just One.
The good news? A basic check like this takes one minute that’s it. Pop the cabinet open, look at the status light, check the expiration dates on the pads and battery, and make sure everything looks clean and intact.
Do that once a month, and you’ll be way ahead of the curve.
Final Thoughts
An AED that doesn’t work is worse than no AED at all it creates a false sense of security. That’s why it’s so important to take a few minutes every month to check your device. Whether you're a school administrator, gym manager, or small business owner, the responsibility to keep your AED functioning falls on you.
You don’t need to be an expert to spot a broken AED. Just know what to look for and if you’re unsure, reach out.
Because when someone’s life is on the line, there’s no time to find out the hard way