Article posted on June 16, 2023
AED Batteries: What you need to know
Specifications vary depending on the type of AED you own or maintain. Battery types and battery life can differ, so it’s important to understand the needs of your specific device. There are lots of helpful tools to assist you in understanding your AED and its consumables (including batteries and pads). You may consult your AED Supplier, the manufacturer’s website or the AED manual to find more information. You may also reach out to the Heart Safe Public Access to Defibrillation Team with any questions or concerns you might have by emailing PAD@ahs.ca!
What type of battery does my AED need?
Each make/model of AED requires a different type of battery, specifically designed for that device. Most of the batteries are unique to that model of AED. The only current exception to that is the Zoll AED Plus, which does take regular consumer-grade Duracell batteries. You can verify with your Supplier when purchasing replacements to ensure you are getting the right battery type for your device.
Where can I buy AED batteries?
AED batteries can be purchased from approved vendors. Click here to view purchasing options. For the Zoll AED Plus, which takes consumer-grade Type 123 Lithium Duracell batteries, and those can be purchased from most electronics, camera, or office supply stores.
How do I replace my AED’s battery?
While each make and model is slightly different, the process for replacing an AED battery tends to be a rather quick and simple one. Consult your AED user manual to verify the correct steps. Many AED manufacturers have educational videos that can help walk you through the process. These can often be found on the manufacturer’s website.
When does my AED battery expire?
AED battery expiration dates can be confusing, so it is important to note that AED batteries differ from many other products. The date listed on a battery IS NOT the expiration date- this is an ‘install-by’ date, meaning the battery must be placed into the device before the date listed on the battery. An AED Battery Expiration Date is based on when the battery is installed in the device. Most AED batteries expire exactly 4 years to the day after they’ve been installed (although the length of battery life depends on the make/model of the AED, consult your manual to confirm). AEDs run daily/weekly self-checks to verify its operational capability and these checks will slowly drain the battery over time (but are necessary to ensure the device is operational). Make note of the date the battery was installed in order to determine the expiry. The Heart Safe website will help you track this, by auto-calculating the expiration date for you. Additionally, it is a good idea to include a card or a sticker in the AED case which indicated the battery expiry.
What do I do with my expired battery?
Used or expired AED batteries can be brought to electronics waste recycling facilities, or any establishment that takes batteries for recycling, such as participating electronics stores.
Does my battery need to be replaced after being used?
The battery may need to be replaced after being used, however, most modern AEDs are designed to be able to deliver hundreds of shocks before depleting the battery. As such, the battery may not need replacing- ultimately, this will be based on the type of AED you own. For example, the Heartsine Samaritan AED has the pads and batteries combined into one easy-to-replace package, and therefore the batteries would need replacing after every use. If the device starts to emit a loud ‘chirp’ or ‘beep’ this could be an indication that the battery is depleted, even if this happens prior to the anticipated expiration date.
Last Updated: Friday, June 16, 2023