Maintenance Status and Availability of Public Automated External Defibrillators: Results of On-Site Inspection

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to assess the maintenance status and availability of publicly installed automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Methods Public AEDs installed in Seoul 2013 to 2017 were included. An inspector checked the maintenance status and availability of AEDs annually using a checklist. Results A total of 23,619 AEDs were inspected for 5 years. Access to AEDs was improved, including reduced obstacles around AEDs (from 9.3% in 2013 to 0.8% in 2017) and increased AED signs (from 34.3% in 2013 to 91.2% in 2017). The number of AEDs in normal operation (from 94.0% in 2013 to 97.5% in 2017), with normal battery charge (from 95.6% in 2013 to 96.8% in 2018), and electrode availability increased (from 97.1% in 2013 to 99.0% in 2017). However, the rate of electrode validity decreased (from 90.0% in 2013 to 87.2% in 2017). Non-ready-to-use AEDs and AEDs with limited 24-h availability accounted for 15.4% and 44.1% of the total number of AEDs, respectively. Conclusions Although most AEDs had a relatively good maintenance status, a significant proportion of public AEDs was not available for 24-h use. Invalid electrodes and limited 24-h accessibility were the main reasons that limited the 24-h availability of public AEDs.