Defibrillator Batteries

How to check and dispose of a defibrillator battery?

Majority of defibrillators have a green LED indicator to show that the device is rescue ready; there are a few models which may show a tick or a green circle instead. AEDs perform daily, weekly, and / or monthly self-checks that checks for any faults. If a fault is found, the LED will flash red or show an X instead. Physically checking the battery is also recommended to ensure that it is still within its usable lifespan. If it is approaching its replacement date, one can be ordered in plenty of time reducing the risk of being without a rescue-ready defibrillator for any time.

As well as checking your defibrillator, it is important that once the battery has depleted it is disposed of appropriately and responsibly. Due to the battery composition, generally lithium for AED batteries, they are required to be disposed of at a dedicated recycling centre. They should NEVER be disposed of in general household waste as they pose a risk if they are crushed by a refuse lorry and may result in thermal runaway and start a fire.