The monthly AED inspection checklist
The checklist asks seven questions, from the status light to the cabinet alarm. Each has one answer that passes; any other answer fails the inspection.
| Check | Passes when | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Is the status indicator light green or flashing green? | Yes | The last self-test passed: a green check, a green light or “OK”, depending on the model. |
| 2. Is the AED chirping or beeping? | No | Stand still and listen. A chirp or beep means the AED has found a problem. |
| 3. Are the pads expired? | No | The use-by date on the pads package, cartridge or lid window. Check child pads too. |
| 4. Is the battery expired? | No | The install-by or expiration date on the battery label. |
| 5. Is the AED visibly damaged? | No | Cracks, a broken lid, or damaged cables and connectors. |
| 6. Is the AED clear of debris and moisture? | Yes | The AED and its case are clean and dry. |
| 7. If there is an AED wall cabinet with an alarm, is the door alarm working? | Yes | Open the door briefly: the alarm should sound. Skip it if there’s no alarmed cabinet. |
These are the same seven questions as AED Log’s default monthly AED inspection, so moving from paper to the app later doesn’t change your routine. ZOLL calls for monthly visual inspections of its AEDs; its own checklist is a web page rather than a PDF, and this one covers the same points for any brand. For what each check means and how manufacturers differ, read the monthly AED inspection checklist guide.
How to use the AED inspection checklist
Use one sheet per AED per inspection: fill in the AED’s details, answer the seven checks at the AED, act on anything that fails, then sign and file it.
- Print one checklist for each AED, each month, or keep a stack by the AED cabinet.
- Fill in the AED’s location, brand, model and serial number, and its pads’ and battery’s expiration dates.
- At the AED, answer each of the seven checks and tick Yes or No.
- Compare each answer with the “Passes when” column. Any other answer fails the inspection.
- If a check fails, take the AED out of service, point responders to the nearest working AED and tell your AED coordinator.
- Write any problem and what you did about it, sign and date the sheet, and fill in the next due date.
- File the checklist with the AED’s records, so you can show every inspection later.
Want a year of checks on one page instead? Use the AED inspection log sheet and tag. Not sure how often to inspect? See AED inspection requirements.
Track AED inspections automatically instead
Paper checklists work until someone forgets the month. AED Log schedules each AED’s inspection, reminds the inspector, and records every answer with who did it and when.
- Scan the QR label on the AED and answer the same seven questions on any phone.
- A failed answer opens a corrective action, marks the AED not safe to use and alerts the people responsible.
- Overdue inspections and expiring pads and batteries raise alerts by email, Slack, Microsoft Teams or Discord.
- Inspection History reports for every location, as a CSV or a branded PDF.
See AED inspection tracking, from $114 a year.