An AED that fails in an emergency is not just useless — it is dangerous. It creates false confidence in bystanders who believe help is at hand, only to find the device won't deliver a shock. Annual professional AED servicing is the single most important step any organisation can take to ensure their defibrillator is genuinely rescue-ready.
At First Aid Supplies Australia, our AED servicing program is delivered by registered, Paramedics and nurses — clinicians who carry and use defibrillators in real emergencies. We know what failure looks like because we've seen it in the field. This article explains what AED servicing involves, why it matters, and what we've actually found during inspections across Australia.
What Is AED Servicing?
AED servicing is a comprehensive inspection and maintenance process carried out by a qualified technician or clinician. It goes well beyond the basic visual check your staff may perform monthly. A professional service covers:
- Full operational review — the device is tested against manufacturer standards to confirm it will deliver a shock if required
- Defibrillation pad inspection — pads are checked for expiry, seal integrity and correct pad type for the device model
- Battery inspection — battery charge and expiry are verified; degraded or expired batteries are replaced
- Housing and alarm check — the cabinet, casing and alarm system are reviewed for damage or faults
- Signage review — AED and CPR signage is checked and replaced or added as required
- Service tag — a tag recording the service date is affixed to the device
- Full PDF report — a comprehensive service report is emailed to you, suitable for WH&S audits and equipment registers
How Often Should an AED Be Serviced?
Most AED manufacturers and workplace health and safety guidelines recommend a professional service at least once per year. In addition to the annual professional service, a basic visual check should be performed monthly by a designated staff member. This check should confirm the device is present, the indicator light is showing green (or the equivalent ready signal for your model), and the cabinet is accessible and undamaged.
However, a visual check will not identify expired pads, a degraded battery, or a device that is failing its internal self-test. Only a professional service will catch these issues before they matter.
What We've Actually Found During AED Inspections
The following are real findings from AED inspections carried out by our team across Australia. These are not edge cases — they are routine.
No Pads at All
AED cabinets found completely empty, or pads removed after a previous emergency or false alarm and never replaced. Without pads, the device cannot be used.
Pads Expired 3–4 Years Ago
Expired pads may not adhere correctly to the patient's skin or deliver an effective shock. We have found units years past their replacement date with no record of the expiry being noticed.
Wrong Pad Type for the Device
Third-party or incompatible pads installed that do not connect correctly to the specific AED model, preventing the device from functioning.
Batteries Equally Expired
A flat or degraded battery means the AED cannot charge. We have found batteries as far out of date as the pads — in some cases, both expired simultaneously.
Non-Branded Batteries Installed
Generic batteries may not provide the energy output required for the AED to deliver a shock. Only manufacturer-approved batteries should be used.
Pads Wrapped in Kitchen Plastic Wrap
Accidentally opened pads had been resealed in glad wrap. Once the original packaging is opened, pads begin to dry out and will not work on a patient.
AED Not Powered On / Self-Test Failure
The device was failing its own internal self-check, but no one had noticed because the indicator light was not being monitored.
Cabinet Locked With No Key Accessible
The AED was secured in a locked cabinet with no clear instructions or accessible key, making it unreachable in an emergency.
Device Not Registered
The AED was not registered with the relevant state ambulance service, meaning emergency services had no record of its location when responding to a cardiac arrest call.
WH&S and Organisational Liability
If your organisation has an AED, you have a duty of care to ensure it is maintained and functional. In the event of a cardiac arrest where the AED fails due to lack of maintenance, your organisation may face significant legal and reputational consequences. Documented annual professional servicing — with a PDF report on file — provides the evidence trail needed to demonstrate that duty of care was met.
This is particularly important for schools, aged care facilities, sporting clubs, councils, and corporate organisations where AEDs are required under WH&S legislation or industry standards.
Our AED Servicing Options
First Aid Supplies Australia offers two servicing options to suit organisations across Australia:
- Onsite Servicing (Victoria only) — our registered Intensive Care Paramedics come to your location. No need to send anything away.
- Postal Servicing (Australia wide) — send your AED to us and we'll complete a full service and return it promptly with a comprehensive PDF report.
All services include a full operational review, signage check, service tag, PDF report and access to our 24/7 support line.
Servicing Pricing
- 1–5 AEDs: $149 per AED
- 6–20 AEDs: $129 per AED
- 21+ AEDs: Contact us for a tailored quote
Pad and battery replacements are priced as listed on our website and are only charged if replacement is required during the service. Onsite travel in Victoria is free within 20km of the Melbourne CBD, then $1.72/km thereafter.
Book Your AED Service Today
Don't wait until an emergency to find out your AED isn't ready. Visit our Defibrillator Servicing – Australia Wide page to learn more and book your annual AED service — onsite in Victoria or postal anywhere in Australia.