CloseCardiac & Resuscitation
Charged, Charted, and Not Actually Ready
The code is called. The battery is dead, the pads expired, the self-test failed weeks ago.
Defibrillator/MonitorDefault-ValueHandoff-Gap
What happened
A defibrillator or AED only helps if it is ready the instant it is needed. Dead or failing batteries, expired or missing electrode pads, failed self-tests, and deferred maintenance mean the device cannot analyze the rhythm or deliver a shock when a patient arrests.
Why it matters
FDA received roughly 45,000 adverse-event reports tied to external defibrillator failures over 2005–2012 and issued dozens of recalls, prompting an improvement initiative and a 2015 order requiring AED systems to meet readiness controls. (FDA.)
Control sequence
- A defibrillator or AED sits on the crash cart or wall, presumed ready.
- Readiness tasks lapse — battery, pads, self-test, or maintenance are missed across shifts.
- A patient arrests and the device is pulled to the bedside.
- The device cannot analyze the rhythm or charge and deliver.
- Precious minutes are lost before an alternative is found.
How often
FDA received ~45,000 external-defibrillator adverse-event reports, 2005–2012, with dozens of recalls. (FDA)
Consequences
A rescue device that cannot deliver. Shown through the defibrillator, the readiness indicator, and the expired-pad packaging — never the patient.
Evidence gate: publish only after verification
- FDA issued a 2015 final order requiring AED systems to undergo premarket approval with readiness-focused controls, following widespread failures. (FDA, 2015)cited
- FDA received approximately 45,000 adverse-event reports tied to external defibrillator failures, 2005–2012, with dozens of recalls. (FDA)secondary
Experience
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