When considering the purchase of emergency defibrillators such as a Philips AED, battery life is one of the most important factors to take into account. Sudden cardiac arrest is a risk for people everywhere, and defibrillators with an up-to-date, reliable battery can make the difference in critical situations.
Though choosing a model with a long shelf life is important, having a replacement battery on hand is also a crucial safety step in the unlikely case of battery malfunction. Be sure to follow the instructions on any AED battery to ensure the longest possible shelf life and proper functioning of your device.
Philips AED Models with Excellent Battery Life
The two Philips AEDs that use a Philips HeartStart defibrillator battery are excellent choices if you want a reliable and long-lasting device. Both of the Philips models that we stock use the same battery: the Philips HeartStart battery (M5070A). This is a disposable long-life lithium battery that offers:
- A shelf-life of five years when in standby mode, with a four-year installed life guaranteed under warranty
- An operating time of four hours or a minimum of 200 shocks
Two Philips AED models that use this battery are:
HeartStart OnSite
The Philips HeartStart OnSite AED (M5066A) offers excellent reliability and features such as:
- Life Guidance voice instructions, which guide the rescuer on the frequency and depth of chest compressions
- Ready to rescue out of the box
- A rugged design that can withstand up to 500 lbs of weight and drops of up to 1 meter (approximately 3 feet) onto concrete
HeartStart FRx
The Philips HeartStart FRx AED (861304) is another excellent Philips AED that offers:
- Defibrillation guidance
- CPR assistance
- Cost-saving pediatric functions with a one-time-purchase pediatric key
- EMS readiness
Both the Philips Onsite AED and the Philips FRx AED offer a market-leading eight-year warranty, meaning that typically a HeartStart AED battery only needs to be replaced once in the lifetime of the AED.
How Long Does an AED Battery Last?
How long AED batteries last depends both on the brand and model that you choose. Generally, AED batteries last anywhere from two to seven years when installed. Other factors such as the ambient temperature, relative humidity, and short-circuits can also affect an AED battery’s shelf life.
If your AED uses multiple batteries, all the batteries must be replaced at the same time and before the expiration date. Following these instructions is critical to the safe and effective functioning of your defibrillator.
Studies have shown a greater likelihood of survival when a bystander used an AED (67%)[mfn]nih.gov[/mfn] rather than waiting for emergency medical services to shock the patient (43%). Having a fully functional and fully charged AED has been one of the key factors in the survival of SCA patients who have been rescued across the United States.
Battery Life Best Practices
Though the shelf life stated on a Philips AED battery is a reliable estimate, following some best practices will help get the most out of your battery. Guidelines for looking after your battery include:
- The batteries’ typical four-year warranty is valid as long as you install the battery before the “Install By” date.
- Write the date the battery was put into service on the back of the battery to help you work out when it expires.
- When you replace batteries, it’s crucial to use original manufacturer batteries and—at a minimum—batteries that are compatible with your AED model. If you use incompatible batteries, it’s possible that your warranty will become void and that your defibrillator won’t function properly when you need it to.
- Always keep a replacement battery ready in case of malfunction.
- Signing up for AED program management makes it easier to comply with all applicable AED regulations in your state, including regulations that pertain to battery replacement.
Battery Life and Maintenance Are Keys to a Long-Lasting AED Battery
Factors such as brand, model, and price all affect AED batteries’ shelf life. Though most defibrillator batteries will last a decent amount of time (as mentioned, the Philips HeartStart battery life is four years installed or five years uninstalled), maintenance and vigilance are also important parts of ensuring the safe functioning of your AED.
Simple actions such as checking your AED’s battery and keeping a spare battery with your defibrillator(s) are the easiest ways to guarantee that your AED works to its full capacity in case of an SCA emergency. Knowing when to change the battery is also essential to making sure that your defibrillator is always ready to save a life.
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