How should you verify that an AED is ready for use?

How should you verify that an AED is ready for use?

• A. Only test the device once a year.
• B. Rely on the device's appearance alone.
• C. Check battery status, pad expiration, and ensure the device is readily accessible and audible prompts are clear.
• D. Check only the battery.

Answer: (C)

Ensuring an AED is ready for use means performing a readiness check that covers power, consumables, and accessibility. You want to verify the device can power on by checking the battery status, so it will operate when needed. You also need to confirm the pads are not expired, since expired pads may not deliver effective therapy. In addition, the device should be in a known, accessible location and capable of delivering clear instructions, so you can reach it quickly and understand the prompts during an emergency. Relying on appearance alone can be misleading, since a unit can look OK but have a dead battery, expired pads, or be hard to access. Checking only the battery misses pad validity and accessibility, and waiting for infrequent checks can miss expiration dates or unclear prompts. By verifying battery status, pad expiration, accessibility, and clear audible prompts, you ensure the AED will function properly and guide a responder when needed.

Ensuring an AED is ready for use means performing a readiness check that covers power, consumables, and accessibility. You want to verify the device can power on by checking the battery status, so it will operate when needed. You also need to confirm the pads are not expired, since expired pads may not deliver effective therapy. In addition, the device should be in a known, accessible location and capable of delivering clear instructions, so you can reach it quickly and understand the prompts during an emergency. Relying on appearance alone can be misleading, since a unit can look OK but have a dead battery, expired pads, or be hard to access. Checking only the battery misses pad validity and accessibility, and waiting for infrequent checks can miss expiration dates or unclear prompts. By verifying battery status, pad expiration, accessibility, and clear audible prompts, you ensure the AED will function properly and guide a responder when needed.