Before every shift, what should you check on the AED?

Before every shift, what should you check on the AED?

• A. The battery is charged
• B. The last patient's name
• C. The current firmware version
• D. The time since last shock

Answer: (A)

Power is the central readiness factor for an AED. A charged battery powers all functions—monitoring, pad deployment, and the ability to deliver a shock—so if the battery is dead, the device won’t work when it’s needed. In a pre-shift check you should verify the battery indicator shows a charged or adequate level and that the device indicates it’s ready for use. Other details like firmware version or the last shock aren’t part of the immediate readiness check, though they may come up in maintenance; they don’t affect whether the AED can operate during an emergency.

Power is the central readiness factor for an AED. A charged battery powers all functions—monitoring, pad deployment, and the ability to deliver a shock—so if the battery is dead, the device won’t work when it’s needed. In a pre-shift check you should verify the battery indicator shows a charged or adequate level and that the device indicates it’s ready for use. Other details like firmware version or the last shock aren’t part of the immediate readiness check, though they may come up in maintenance; they don’t affect whether the AED can operate during an emergency.