“Have you considered how your Defibrillator functions when the weather gets cold?”
Does the cold winter effect how your defibrillator works?
Have you considered how your Defibrillator functions when the weather gets cold?
As we approach our coldest part of the year, and the cold frosty weather sets in, find out how cold weather can significantly impact how your defibrillator functions and performs.
Its essential that you have the correct protection for your device and its components all year round, but more so in the cold weather.
Cold Impacts
Defibrillator pads are a core component as they allow your defibrillator to analyse heart rhythms and deliver a life-saving shock if and when they are required. If defib pads are exposed to cold, the gel on the adhesive pads can freeze and will be unable to be used in a cardiac emergency.
Batteries are a main component as they provide your defibrillator with power to function and deliver life-saving treatment. Its essential for making sure your device is ready and able to perform its’ daily, weekly and monthly self-checks to remain in a fully optimal and working condition. There is a risk of the cold weather draining batteries, and in turn affects how your device performs.
Storage Solution
If you are storing your defibrillator outdoors during the winter, you should have an outdoor heated cabinet. This protects the defib and adjusts accordingly to ensure your life-saving device is kept at the right temperature and ready to be used in an emergency at all times. It should be mains powered to ensure year round optimal temprature.
Ideal Temperature
For optimal performance, it is recommended that your defibrillator is stored at a temperature of 0°C to 50°C.
If any of you device components aren’t working, the readiness indicator on your defibrillator changes from what you usually see. For some models, you may notice the readiness indicator turned from green to red (cardiac science for example) or change to a cross from a from a tick for example. In some units; you may also hear a beeping noise to indicate that attention is required.
If you aren’t sure on what noises or buttons are showing, we are always happy to assist so please contact us if you’re not too sure.
