Inspection of AEDs and First Aid Kits: A Simple Step That Can Save Lives.

An accident can happen at any time, and being ready to act can truly make a difference. This is where Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and first aid kits come in: essential equipment to save lives. However, for them to be effective, they must be fully functional and complete. That’s why regular inspection of your AEDs and first aid kits is crucial.

Together, let’s explore why these inspections are essential for your business and how Cardio Choc’s inspection and maintenance services ensure the safety and proper functioning of your equipment at all times.

Why regularly inspect your AEDs and first aid kits?

First aid equipment, such as AEDs and first aid kits, is essential for ensuring safety in the workplace, at home, or in any public space. However, like all equipment, their proper functioning depends on regular maintenance. That’s why having them inspected ensures you have complete kits and AEDs ready for use.

Ensure regulatory compliance

In accordance with current standards, each employer is responsible for using, inspecting, and maintaining their AED according to the manufacturer’s guidelines (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024).

As for first aid kits in the workplace, employers must also ensure that the contents of the kits comply with the CAN/CSA Z1220-17 standard. Some items may be expired, inadequate, or in poor condition; in such cases, the equipment must be replaced.

While inspections ensure compliance with all Occupational Health and Safety requirements, they also allow you to contribute to the protection of your employees and the public when the need arises.

Prevent breakdowns and malfunctions

AEDs and first aid kits allow you to act quickly in an emergency. However, their effectiveness depends on their operational condition at the critical moment. They must be ready for use in an emergency. Regular inspections are essential to ensure their availability and proper functioning.

For AEDs, this means checking that the batteries are sufficiently charged to deliver a shock when needed and ensuring that the electrodes are in good condition and not expired. These components must be replaced if necessary to ensure optimal intervention. Additionally, the inspection helps ensure that the device is stored in an appropriate environment, protected from moisture or extreme temperatures, which could compromise its functionality.

For first aid kits, regular inspections involve checking that every required item is present, not expired, and in perfect condition. This includes bandages, dressings, gloves, antiseptic solutions, and other first aid supplies. For example, these items must not show any signs of damage, contamination, or expiration to ensure their effectiveness when needed.

Saving Lives

In an emergency situation, every second counts, and the speed of intervention can change the outcome. Whether it’s administering a shock with an AED or providing first aid with a first aid kit, the condition of these devices plays a critical role.

Devices in perfect working order can literally make the difference between life and death. An AED with a dead battery or expired electrodes could prevent a vital intervention in the event of a cardiac arrest. Similarly, a first aid kit containing damaged or missing items could delay or complicate the necessary care.

A regular inspection is much more than a mere formality: it is a guarantee that these essential devices will be ready when every second counts. It allows you to verify the functionality of the equipment, detect and address any anomalies in time, and replace expired or defective components.

A workplace or establishment that demonstrates its commitment to the safety of its employees, clients, and visitors by ensuring the rigorous maintenance of its first aid equipment sends a strong message. It reflects a culture of responsibility and prevention that goes far beyond mere compliance with regulations.

By ensuring that your AEDs and first aid kits are in perfect condition, you demonstrate the importance of the safety and well-being of everyone within your organization.

That’s why Cardio Choc now offers a comprehensive preventive service: the inspection of AEDs and first aid kits. As you can see, these services ensure that your equipment is compliant, functional, and ready to use in case of an emergency. A simple and effective solution to enhance daily prevention and safety. To find out more about what this service entails: What is the inspection service?