Importance of Maintenance Management

Overview

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been widely adopted since July 2004, when the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare provided guidelines for their use and handling by citizens present at emergency scenes. This adoption has occurred not only in medical institutions but also primarily in schools, train stations, public facilities, and commercial facilities.
On the other hand, AEDs are classified as highly controlled medical devices and specific maintenance-controlled medical devices under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act, and if not properly managed, they pose a significant risk to human life and health.
Therefore, to prevent serious incidents where AEDs may fail to perform due to inadequate management when used, it is more important than ever to ensure proper maintenance and management of AEDs.

Matters to be addressed by AED Installers

The person responsible for daily inspections of the installed AED should be designated by the installer, and daily inspections should be conducted in accordance with the attached documents and the instruction manual.

Role of the Inspection Officer

Implementation of Daily Inspections

Please check every day that the color and display of the AED indicator lamp indicate that the AED is in a usable condition.

Management of Consumables

Consumables (electrode pads and batteries) need to be replaced regularly. Please indicate the replacement timing of consumables and attach a label to the AED unit or storage case so that the information can be easily checked from the outside. Based on this information, please keep track of the replacement timing for the electrode pads and batteries and replace them at the appropriate time.
Also, please note that the AED unit has a service life. The service life varies by model, so please check the documents attached to the AED or contact each manufacturer for confirmation.

Response during Consumable Replacement

When replacing the electrode pads or batteries, please use the new display labels or seals attached to the new electrode pads, and indicate the next replacement date before attaching them to the AED.

Regarding the outsourcing of management and maintenance contracts for AEDs

Purchasers or installers of AEDs can also enter into maintenance contracts with AED vendors or repair companies to delegate the management of the installed AEDs.