🚩 When Should You Replace an Older Defibrillator? 🚩

Many organisations already have a defibrillator in place. However, even the best AEDs aren’t designed to last forever.

If your defibrillator has been on the wall for many years, it may be time for a review. Here’s how to know when replacing an older AED is the right move.

1. Your AED Is Approaching 7–10 Years Old

Most defibrillators have an expected lifespan of around 7 to 10 years, regardless of brand. As a defibrillator ages, its internal electronic components naturally experience wear and degradation over time. Capacitors, wiring, connectors, and internal batteries are subject to environmental exposure, temperature changes, vibration, and regular self-testing. Even when an AED is rarely used, these internal components can deteriorate simply due to age. Replacing an older unit helps reduce the risk of age-related failure and ensures the device performs reliably when it’s needed most.

TIP: How to Estimate the Age of Your AED

If you’re unsure how old your defibrillator is, the serial number can usually provide a good indication. Below is a general guide for commonly used units.

ZOLL AED Plus

• • Serial numbers typically start with a letter followed by numbers that indicate the year of manufacture
  • Standard five-year warranty, additional two years with registration
    
    

ZOLL AED 3

• • Serial numbers usually begin with AX followed by numbers that indicate the year of manufacture
    
  • Standard six-year warranty, additional two years with registration
    
    

HeartSine Units (350P / 360P / 500P)

• • The first digits of the serial number often indicate the year of manufacture
  • Eight-year limited warranty
    
    

LIFEPAK CR2/CR2 Essential

• • Check the original battery label for the manufacture date
  • Eight-year warranty
    
    

Checking the Age of Other AED Brands and Models

Not all AED manufacturers encode the manufacture date clearly in the serial number. For many models, a combination of labels, consumables, and support status gives a clue to the age of the unit.

Philips HeartStart (HS1, FRx)

• • The manufacture date is printed on the rear device label
  • Many units in circulation are 10–15+ years old
    

Cardiac Science / Powerheart (G3, G5)

• • Manufacture date is typically printed on the back label
  • Earlier G3 models may now be approaching or past their expected lifespan
    
    

Physio-Control / Older LIFEPAK Models

• • Manufacture date is usually clearly labelled on the unit
    
  • Older units may rely on legacy batteries or pads
    
    

Defibtech (Older Lifeline Models)

• • Manufacture date is printed on the unit label
  • Battery expiry dates can help indicate device age

 

Additional Tip: Check the Inspection or Service Tag

Many AEDs also have an inspection or service tag attached to the carry handle or cabinet. These tags often record the initial installation date or first service, which can help estimate the unit’s age if the manufacture date is unclear.

🤔 An Upgrade from a Trusted Line: ZOLL AED Plus

For customers upgrading from older AEDs, the ZOLL AED Plus remains a reliable and familiar choice.

Key features:

• • Real-time CPR feedback to guide compressions
  • Durable design suited to workplaces and public areas
  • Long-life consumables to reduce maintenance

A solid option for those wanting continuity with proven technology.

2. The AED Has Reached the End of Its Warranty Period

Most AED manufacturers recommend reviewing or replacing a defibrillator once it reaches the end of its warranty period. While some units may continue to operate beyond warranty, support options such as repairs, software updates, and replacement components are often limited or no longer available.

Replacing an AED at or near the end of warranty helps ensure ongoing reliability, continued manufacturer support, and confidence that the device will perform as intended during an emergency.

 

🤔 A Future-Focused Option: ZOLL AED 3

For organisations upgrading to a newer platform, the ZOLL AED 3 is a suitable option.

Key features:

• • Real-time CPR feedback with colour display
  • Child mode without pad changes
  • Optional Wi-Fi connectivity for easier device management

 

3. Replacement Pads or Batteries Are Becoming Harder to Source

A common issue with ageing AEDs is that pads or batteries may be discontinued or limited in availability. When this happens, keeping the unit operational becomes more difficult and often more expensive.

This is a sign that an older defibrillator may be nearing practical end of life, even if the device itself still powers on.

Older Units and End-of-Support Considerations

Some early-generation AEDs:

• Rely on consumables no longer manufactured
• Use older defibrillation technology
  
• Use older battery technology
• Have reduced manufacturer support
• Might be from brands that have exited the Australian market

If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to replace your old AED.

 

🤔 A Simple Next-Generation Option: LIFEPAK CR2 Essential

The LIFEPAK CR2 Essential is a solid choice when replacing ageing AEDs.

Key features:

• • Clear, easy-to-follow voice prompts
  • One-button child mode
  • Fast shock delivery with minimal CPR interruption

 

4. Frequent Alerts, Beeping, or Self-Test Failures

Modern AEDs perform automatic self-checks. If your unit is regularly beeping, displaying warning lights, or failing checks, it’s often a sign that components are wearing out.

While occasional servicing is normal, repeated faults usually indicate replacement is more practical than repair.

 

🤔 A Compact, Fully Automatic Upgrade: HeartSine samaritan PAD 350P / 360P

The HeartSine 350P and 360P samaritan PAD are compact AEDs often chosen when replacing older or bulkier units.

Key features:

• • Lightweight and portable design
  • Integrated Pad-Pak (battery + pads in one cartridge)
    

  • Easy-to-understand visual and voice prompts

Ideal for facilities looking to simplify maintenance and reduce consumable tracking.

 

5. Your Needs or Compliance Requirements Have Changed

As workplaces, schools, and community facilities grow or change, the type of defibrillator you need may also change. New regulations, updated safety standards, or changes to your environment can mean an older AED is no longer the best fit.

For example, if children are now regularly on site, an AED with an easy child mode or paediatric capability becomes essential. Similarly, increased staff numbers, higher visitor traffic, or expanded facilities may require more accessible placement or upgraded features.

Reviewing and replacing your AED ensures it continues to meet current compliance requirements and is suitable for the people it’s intended to protect.

 

🤔 An AED with Real-Time CPR Coaching: HeartSine samaritan PAD 500P

The HeartSine 500P is commonly selected when upgrading from older AEDs that lack CPR feedback technology.

Key features:

• • Real-time CPR feedback on depth and rate
  • Integrated Pad-Pak system
  • Compact and easy to deploy

Well-suited to environments where CPR quality support is a priority.

 

6. The AED Has Been Physically Damaged or Exposed to the Elements

Even if a defibrillator powers on, physical damage can compromise its reliability in an emergency.

Situations to watch for include:

• Water or moisture entering the unit (flooding, leaks, heavy rain, condensation)
• Cracked casing, loose parts, or damaged buttons
• Units dropped from height or impacted
• Corrosion inside the battery compartment or pad connector

AEDs are designed to be robust, but once water ingress or physical damage occurs, the unit may no longer be safe or reliable even if no error is immediately displayed.

If an AED has been exposed to water, extreme heat, or physical impact, replacement is often the safest option rather than repair.

 

🤔 An AED with On-Screen Visual Guidance: Defibtech Lifeline VIEW

The Defibtech Lifeline VIEW is a strong option for organisations replacing older AEDs and wanting clear visual guidance.

Key features:

• • Full-colour screen with step-by-step video guidance
  • Clear voice prompts to support untrained responders
  • Rugged and durable design

Well-suited to schools, workplaces, and public access locations where visual instructions are beneficial.

In Summary

Seriously consider replacing your defibrillator if:

🚩 AED is approaching 7–10 years of age
🚩 AED is reaching the end of their warranty period
🚩 Replacement Pads or Batteries are becoming harder to source
🚩 Frequent alerts, beeping, or self-test failures
🚩 Changes in regulations, compliance, or people using the device
🚩 Physical damage or environmental exposure

 

Not Sure If You Should Replace Your Defibrillator?

At Response For Life, we help customers assess older AEDs by checking age, consumable availability, and manufacturer support.

If your defibrillator has been in place for many years, a simple review can help you decide whether it’s time to replace an old AED before it’s needed in an emergency.

 

"Preparedness saves lives"

***Disclaimer***

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace manufacturer guidance, professional advice, or formal training. Defibrillator models, specifications, availability, and support status may change over time. For advice specific to your organisation, equipment, or compliance requirements, please contact Response For Life or refer to the manufacturer’s official documentation.