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Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Addresses pad not detected, pad expiration alerts, or Rescue Ready indicator faults related to pad connection or electrode condition.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Confirm the AED is not in active clinical use.
- If needed, replace it with a known working unit before troubleshooting.
Check Rescue Ready Indicator
- Observe the status indicator.
- Green = system ready
- Red = fault present
- This confirms whether the issue is active or intermittent.
Inspect Pad Expiration Date
- Remove the pad cartridge and verify the expiration date.
- Expired pads will trigger a fault and must be replaced
- If expired, install a new, in-date pad set
- If resolved, stop here.
Verify Pad Cartridge Seating
- Reinsert the pad cartridge firmly into the device.
- Ensure it clicks or seats fully
- A loose connection is a common cause of detection errors
- If indicator returns to green, stop here.
Inspect Connector and Contacts
- Check the pad connector inside the AED and on the cartridge:
- Look for bent pins, debris, or corrosion
- Clean gently if needed (no liquid intrusion)
- Poor contact can prevent pad recognition.
Check for Packaging or Seal Issues
- Ensure pads are:
- Fully sealed
- Not dried out or damaged
- Not previously opened
- Compromised pads can trigger both expiration and connection faults.
Perform a Manual Lid Cycle (Self-Test Trigger)
- Open and close the lid to force a self-test.
- Listen for prompts and observe indicator
- This helps confirm whether the device re-recognizes the pads
- If resolved, stop here.
Try a Known Good Pad Cartridge
- Install a new or known working pad cartridge.
- If the issue clears, original pads were faulty
- If issue persists, suspect device-side connection issue
If the Problem Persists
If a known good, in-date pad cartridge does not resolve the issue, common external causes have been ruled out.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or further bench evaluation
This indicates a likely internal connector or sensing fault. Knowing when to stop prevents unnecessary risk and damage.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot pad issues while the AED is assigned to an active patient care area without a backup unit available. Always ensure immediate defibrillation capability.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"AED showing pad error and red Rescue Ready indicator during routine check."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Expired pad cartridge and poor seating in connector bay."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Replaced pads with in-date cartridge and reseated; device passed self-test and returned to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Pad expiration date verified
- Cartridge reseated
- Known good pads tested
- Indicator status before/after
- Self-test behavior after lid cycle
- Condition of connector pins
- Final device status (in service or removed)
Final Thought
Pad-related errors are often simple but critical. A structured approach—starting with expiration, seating, and connection—ensures reliability. Always prioritize readiness and escalate appropriately when external fixes fail.
That is successful troubleshooting.