AED’s in Extreme Temperatures

Author: Marcy Burnham

Now that you’ve purchased your AED, placed it in its assigned area/cabinet, and it’s ready to rescue, it’s time to think about AED functionality in extreme temperatures.  Throughout the United States, we have been seeing record low and high temperatures over the past few years.  It is vital to have an AED present and ready to rescue.  We must also keep in mind that an AED is an electronic device which does have limits in extreme temperatures. Typically, the temperature range for normal AED operations is 32-122° F, since extreme temperatures can impact normal functions by draining the battery or altering the gel found in pads.  To avoid damage and assist your AED with normal functionality:

• Keep the AED in a shady area out of direct sunlight.
• Place your AED in a small, insulated bag or cooler that has CLEARLY been marked so it is easily found.
• If you need to keep your AED in a vehicle, store it in the temperature-controlled cabin of the vehicle, and bring it inside at night.
• Invest in an all-weather outdoor AED cabinet.
• Inspect the AED monthly to ensure it is functioning properly.

In order to maximize the life of your AED, pads, and batteries, the AED should not be stored in temperatures above or below the manufacturer’s suggested range.  Keeping with these recommendations can make a difference in your AED’s rescue-readiness.  

If you feel the normal functions of your AED have been compromised due to extreme weather conditions, or you’re unable to get your AED ready to rescue, please feel free to reach out to us.