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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshooting when the status LED is not flashing green, shows red, or indicates the AED is not ready for use.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- If the AED is needed for an active emergency and is not showing ready:
- Immediately retrieve a backup AED
- Do not delay patient care while troubleshooting
Expected: Patient care continues without delay
Why it matters: A non-ready AED may not deliver therapy when needed
Verify LED Status Behavior
- Observe the status indicator:
- Flashing green = ready
- Flashing red or no light = fault condition
Expected: Clear identification of LED status
Why it matters: Confirms whether the issue is real or misinterpreted
Check PAD-Pak Installation (Most Common Cause)
- Open the device and ensure the PAD-Pak is fully seated
- Remove and reinstall firmly until it clicks into place
Expected: LED returns to flashing green
Why it matters: Improperly seated PAD-Pak prevents readiness checks
Check PAD-Pak Expiration Date
- Inspect expiration date on PAD-Pak
- Replace if expired or near expiration
Expected: Device recognizes valid PAD-Pak and returns to ready
Why it matters: Expired PAD-Paks trigger fault indicators
Inspect for Shipping Tab or Activation Issue
- Ensure any battery isolation tab has been removed
- Confirm device has been activated per initial setup
Expected: Device powers correctly and runs self-check
Why it matters: Unactivated units may not complete readiness checks
Perform a Manual Power-On Self-Test
- Turn the AED ON and observe prompts
- Listen for voice prompts and watch LED behavior
Expected: Device completes self-test without errors
Why it matters: Confirms whether the issue is persistent or intermittent
Check Environmental Conditions
- Ensure device is within proper temperature range
- Inspect for moisture, dust, or contamination
Expected: Device operates within normal conditions
Why it matters: Environmental extremes can affect internal self-tests
Inspect Device for Physical Damage
- Look for cracks, water ingress, or impact damage
- Check speaker grille and casing integrity
Expected: No visible damage
Why it matters: Physical damage can cause internal faults and LED errors
Replace PAD-Pak if Issue Persists
- Install a new, known-good PAD-Pak
Expected: LED returns to flashing green
Why it matters: Faulty PAD-Paks are a common root cause
If the Problem Persists
If the LED still does not show ready after verifying PAD-Pak, installation, and environment:
- Internal fault is likely
- Remove the AED from service
- Label it Out of Service
- Send for repair or manufacturer evaluation
Knowing when to stop prevents unsafe equipment from remaining in circulation.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot an AED during an active emergency. Always switch to a backup unit first, then evaluate the faulty device afterward.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"AED status indicator not flashing green and showing fault condition."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Expired PAD-Pak prevented successful self-test."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Replaced PAD-Pak; device passed self-test and returned to ready status."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Status LED behavior (red, off, intermittent)
- PAD-Pak expiration date
- Whether PAD-Pak was reseated or replaced
- Self-test results during power-on
- Environmental conditions (temperature, moisture)
- Physical condition of device
- Final device status (returned to service or sent for repair)
Final Thought
AED readiness is critical for patient survival. Always start with simple external checks like PAD-Pak condition and installation before assuming failure. Remove from service when readiness cannot be confirmed, and document clearly to support safe equipment management.
That is successful troubleshooting.