What are consumables?
Consumables are the essential accessories for your AED device: the electrode pads and battery.
Electrode pads:
The adhesive electrode pads are placed on a patient’s chest to deliver the electric shock in a cardiac emergency.
They are single use and will need replacing after they have been used.
Battery:
The battery powers both the electric shock given to a patient in a cardiac emergency and the defibs regular self-testing. Having a powered battery is therefore essential to ensure the defib is rescue ready.
Depending on what brand of defib you have, the pads and battery will either be supplied in separate units, or in one combined unit (such as the Pad-Pak cartridge used in HeartSine devices)
As the pads and battery are consumables this means they will have an expiration date and will need replacing even if they have not been used. Therefore, if have spare packs, they will expire regardless of whether they are inserted in the AED.
If unused, the lifespan of the pads and battery is approx. 4 years (depending on the model of your defib). If they are in one combined unit, the whole pack will need replacing at the same time.
It is essential to ensure that the consumables for your defib do not expire – expired consumables should be replaced immediately.
What is a Pad-Pak?
The ‘Pad-Pak’ is the name given to the consumables for HeartSine Samaritan AEDs.
It is a combined cartridge that contains both the electrode pads and battery in a single, easily replaceable unit.
The HeartSine Pad-Pak is a consumable and therefore has an expiration date; It will last for up to four years – or one use.
As the consumables are in one combined cartridge, this means that they have the same expiry date and the whole unit needs to be replaced at the same time. Therefore, if you have a spare Pad-Pak, it will expire regardless of whether it’s inserted in the AED.
The pads are single use, and if used a replacement Pad-Pak will be required immediately.
It is essential to ensure that the consumables for your defib do not expire – expired consumables should be replaced immediately.
What is the shelf-life of the Pad-Pak?
The HeartSine Pad-Pak is a consumable and therefore has an expiry date.
It will last for up to four years – or one use.
Please note – the Pad-Pak is a consumable, therefore if you have a spare pack, it will expire regardless of whether it’s inserted in the AED.
How do I check the expiry date of the Pad-Pak?
To check the expiry date of the Pad-Pak, remove the AED from the carry sleeve and turn it over. A blue sticker shows the date both the electrode pads and battery expire.
It is recommended to order a replacement Pad-Pak before it expires.
The SHC will replace your first unused Pad-Pak for free if put in a claim before it expires – please see below for details of how to make your claim.
What should I do if the Pad-Pak has expired or been used?
If your Pad-Pak has expired (or has been used) it should be replaced as soon as possible.
If you need to purchase a new Pad-Pak cartridge this will cost approximately £110.
Our recommended suppliers are:
As part of your AED package the SHC could supply your first replacement Pad-Pak for free – see below for the T&Cs and details of how you can claim this offer.
How do I check my HeartSine device is ready to use – and how often should I check it?
AEDs should be checked at least once a week – this is the responsibility of the nominated guardian.
You can check the status of your AED by looking at the ‘Status Indicator’ light. It will flash approximately every five seconds. It can flash either green or red.
If the indicator is green, your defibrillator is ready to be used.
If the indicator is red or not flashing your defibrillator requires attention – see below
Don’t be afraid to switch on your defibrillator and listen for the voice prompts to start. This is the best way to make sure your device is ready.
The Status Indicator light is not flashing or is flashing red – what does this mean?
This means a problem has been detected and your device requires attention.
Please check the following:
- The expiry date of your Pad-Pak and replace it if necessary.
- The battery – if the battery charge becomes low the ‘Status Indicator’ will flash red. This means that there is insufficient battery capacity to deliver a shock.
If your pads have expired or your battery power is low – you will need to immediately replace the Pad-Pak
My device is beeping – what does this mean?
If your device is on:
And the beeping is occurring at the same time that the Status Indicator has a red flashing light – please see above.
If your device is off:
Three rapid beeps when your device is turned off means that it has sensed that the ambient temperature is outside the specified operating range (0c – 50c)
The AED may also be too hot or cold – check that the fan/heater in the cabinet is working correctly.
If the weather is exceptionally cold, remove the defibrillator and temporarily place in a warmer location. In this situation, MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A NOTE ON THE CABINET TO ADVISE OF THE TEMPORARY LOCATION.
My device is not turning on – what should I do?
Check that the Pad-Pak is fully inserted – and that it has clicked firmly into place.
Check the battery has enough power.
How do I claim my free replacement Pad-Pak from SHC?
If unused, the SHC will replace your first Pad-Pak free of charge.
You have 30 days before your first Pad-Pak expires to redeem this offer
This is subject to the terms & conditions you received as part of your package.
You can claim this offer by completing the contact form below and quoting the following:
- The date you received your device
- A photo of the rear of your Pad-Pak clearly showing the expiry date
I have another question about my SHC Heartsine device, who should I contact?
Please do get in contact with us by using the contact form below.
Further information on the upkeep and maintenance of AEDs can be found in the ‘AED Troubleshooting’ section
Or for more comprehensive technical support please contact HeartSine directly:
0289 093 9400
