When to Replace AED Pads at Your Workplace

An AED can be mounted on the wall, visible and apparently ready, yet still fail a casualty because its electrode pads have passed their expiry date or their packaging has been compromised. For safety managers, school leaders and workplace first aiders, knowing when to replace AED pads is a basic but critical part of emergency readiness.

AED pads are single-use adhesive electrodes that allow an automated external defibrillator to assess the heart rhythm and, where appropriate, deliver a shock. They are not a fit-and-forget accessory. Their condition, compatibility and expiry status directly affect whether the AED can be used quickly and effectively during a cardiac arrest.

When to replace AED pads

AED pads should be replaced by the date printed on the sealed pad packet, even if they have never been used. The expiry date is set by the manufacturer because the conductive gel and adhesive can deteriorate over time. Once that happens, the pads may not attach securely to the casualty's chest or provide the electrical connection required for accurate rhythm analysis and defibrillation.

They must also be replaced immediately after use. Pads used during a real incident, training scenario or device demonstration must never be returned to service. Even where they appear clean and intact, they are no longer sterile, adhesive or reliable enough for another emergency.

Replace the pads before their stated expiry date if the packaging is torn, punctured, opened, wet, badly creased or exposed to conditions outside the manufacturer's storage limits. A damaged foil packet may allow air or moisture to affect the gel. In practical terms, that means the pads should be treated as unavailable.

An AED's status indicator or self-test may also identify a pad-related fault. A warning light, audible alert or message on the screen requires prompt investigation. Do not assume the issue is only a low battery. Check the device instructions, inspect the connected pad cartridge or packet, and arrange replacement components where required.

Why expiry dates matter in a cardiac arrest

The first minutes after a cardiac arrest are unforgiving. A responder should be able to open the AED, expose the chest, apply the pads and follow the device prompts without searching for replacement stock or questioning whether the equipment is usable.

Pad expiry is not an administrative detail. The conductive gel must create reliable contact between the electrode and skin. Dried or degraded gel can reduce adhesion, particularly where the casualty is sweating, has chest hair or must be moved during treatment. Poor contact may lead to interruptions, error messages or ineffective analysis at the moment every second matters.

There is also a duty-of-care issue. Organisations that provide an AED have an obligation to maintain it. A documented inspection process demonstrates that emergency equipment has been managed responsibly, rather than simply installed for appearance or policy compliance.

Situations that can shorten pad life

The printed expiry date assumes that pads have been stored correctly. In Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, heat exposure deserves particular attention. AEDs positioned in vehicles, external cabinets, security posts, warehouses or temporary sites may be exposed to temperatures beyond the manufacturer's recommended range. Direct sun, high humidity and dust can also affect the condition of the cabinet, packaging and device.

If an AED has been stored in unsuitable conditions, do not rely solely on the expiry date. Review the manufacturer's instructions for use and assess whether the pads need replacement. Where there is uncertainty, replacing the pads is the safer operational decision.

The following issues should trigger a check and, in many cases, replacement:

• the foil pack is opened, torn, swollen, damp or visibly damaged;

• the pads have been used, including during a drill or familiarisation session;

• the AED reports a pad, electrode or cartridge fault;

• the AED has been exposed to extreme heat, water ingress or physical damage;

• the pads are the wrong type, have incompatible connectors or are not approved for that AED model; and

• the expiry date has passed or cannot be read clearly.

A missing or unreadable expiry label should be treated as a defect. Emergency equipment must be verifiable at a glance by the person responsible for the check.

Adult and paediatric AED pads are not interchangeable by default

Many AEDs use separate adult and paediatric pads. Others use adult pads with a child setting, key or switch that reduces the energy delivered. The correct arrangement depends entirely on the model of AED in service.

For organisations with children on site, such as schools, nurseries, sports facilities and family venues, this distinction should form part of the readiness plan. Check that the AED has the appropriate paediatric capability, that staff know how to activate it and that any child pads are within date. Do not assume adult pads can safely be adapted for a child without confirming the device instructions.

Compatibility matters just as much as expiry. Pads are not universal. Connectors, software recognition and energy protocols vary between manufacturers and models. Procurement teams should order exact approved replacements, not visually similar alternatives. If an AED fleet includes different models across several sites, maintain a clear register of the correct pads and batteries for each location.

Build AED pad replacement into routine checks

The most dependable approach is to include AED checks within an established safety inspection schedule. A nominated person should inspect the device at least monthly, with additional checks after any incident, relocation, maintenance work or environmental event that may have affected the unit.

The inspection does not need to be complicated, but it must be consistent. Confirm that the AED is present, accessible, clean and showing its normal ready status. Check the pad expiry date, battery expiry date, seal or cabinet status, rescue kit contents and any fault indicators. Record the result, the inspector's name and any action taken.

Do not wait until pads have expired to order replacements. Set reminders well in advance, allowing for approval processes, supplier lead times and site delivery arrangements. Keeping one compatible spare set with the AED, where storage conditions permit and manufacturer guidance supports it, can prevent the device being taken out of service while new pads are obtained.

For larger estates, a central asset register is often the most efficient solution. It should identify each AED by location, make, model, serial number, pad type, pad expiry date, battery expiry date and accountable person. A simple traffic-light system can help teams prioritise action before an item becomes overdue.

What to do when pads are due for replacement

Order the manufacturer-approved replacement pads for the exact AED model. Before fitting them, check the new packet is sealed, within date and suitable for the intended patient group. Remove the old pads, install the new set according to the device instructions and confirm the cable is fully connected where applicable.

After replacement, allow the AED to complete any self-test and verify that the readiness indicator shows normal operation. Update the inspection log immediately. If the AED is registered with a building management team, central safety department or community defibrillator scheme, update the relevant records so that equipment status remains accurate.

Expired pads should not be retained as emergency stock. They may, however, be useful for non-clinical familiarisation if clearly marked as expired and kept separate from live equipment. Training pads designed specifically for practice are preferable because they support realistic learning without risking operational supplies.

Make the AED part of a wider response plan

Fresh pads alone do not make a workplace ready. Staff need to know where the AED is located, how to summon emergency services, who will retrieve the device and how to begin CPR while it is being collected. Access arrangements also matter. An AED locked inside an office after hours is not available to the people it is intended to protect.

Regular accredited first aid training gives teams the confidence to act decisively. Training should include AED familiarisation, but live pads and batteries should be protected from unnecessary use during sessions. A well-managed programme combines competent responders, maintained equipment, clear escalation procedures and documented checks.

Lifesaver Abu Dhabi supports organisations in building this kind of practical readiness, from first aid capability to wider safety and compliance planning. The objective is simple: when an emergency happens, the right people and equipment must be ready without delay.

The best time to replace AED pads is before anyone needs them. Put the expiry dates in your safety calendar, assign clear ownership and make every inspection a confirmation that your AED can perform when it matters most.