The fully automatic Cardiac Science Powerheart AED G3 Plus Defibrillator is renowned
as one of the industries best, featuring a fully automated system and a 7 year
warranty. The defibrillator presents guidance both audibly and in text format
on the units screen to enable a complete layman to give aid. The Powerheart
also provides basic first aid instructions to the user whilst the patient
is unconscious which settles the users nerves and can significantly increase
the patients chances of recovery.
Q. Can you tell me if an employer has a legal obligation to service/calibrate a defibrillator at regular time spans? Do first aiders have to go on regular refresher courses to operate them? Finally, what is the approximate life span of a defibrillator?
A. Thank you for your enquiry. There is no legal obligation to ensure that the defibrillator is regularly serviced. It is the Health and Safety Manager's responsibility to ensure that the pads have not exceeded their standby life and that the battery is fully charged. The Cardiac Science defibrillators carry out automatic self tests which would indicate if there is a problem with the unit. It is no longer compulsory for people to be trained before using the defibrillator, although it is highly recommended. Again, refresher courses are available, but they are not compulsory - only recommended. A defibrillator does not have an approximate lifespan. As long as the battery and pads are replaced when needed, the defibrillator will continue working past the warranty period.
Q. Does the Cardiac Science Powerheart AED G3 Plus Defibrillator need to be maintained or serviced during its lifetime?
A. No, the unit runs self diagnostic tests on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.