The AED on the Wall Only Helps If It’s Ready

An Automated External Defibrillator or AED is one of those devices you hope you never have to use. Most days, it sits quietly on the wall in a hallway, office, school, church, gym, clinic, or public facility.

But in an emergency, that AED can become one of the most important pieces of equipment in the building.

That is why AED readiness is not just about having a device nearby. It is also about making sure the right AED supplies and accessories are current, easy to find, and ready to use.

With CPR and AED Awareness Week, now is a good time to check your AED setup and make sure your facility is prepared before an emergency happens.

What AED Supplies Should Always Be Ready?

Facilities should keep the AED device, AED replacement pads, AED batteries, AED wall cabinet, AED signage, inspection tag, and CPR training supplies ready and easy to access.

These items help support a complete AED setup, especially in schools, workplaces, churches, gyms, clinics, and public buildings where different people may need to respond quickly.

Start with the AED Device

First, check the AED itself.

Is it in the right location? Is the status indicator showing that the device is ready? Is anything blocking access to the cabinet or wall mount?

During an emergency, no one should have to search for the AED or move items out of the way to reach it.

American Hospital Supply carries AEDs from trusted brands such as Philips, Defibtech, Zoll, and Physio-Control.

Do AED Pads and Batteries Expire?

Yes. AED pads and batteries have expiration dates and should be checked regularly.

AED replacement pads can expire, dry out, become damaged, or become unusable after the AED has been used. AED batteries can also expire or lose power over time.

Keeping the right replacement pads and batteries on hand can help reduce downtime and keep your AED ready for emergency use.

Why are AED Cabinets and Signage Important?

AED cabinets and signage help people find the device faster during an emergency.

A visible AED wall cabinet can help protect the device while keeping it accessible. Clear AED signage can guide staff, visitors, students, members, or responders to the right location quickly.

This is especially important in larger facilities, busy buildings, or public areas where not everyone knows where emergency equipment is stored.

What CPR Training Supplies Should Facilities Keep On Hand?

CPR training supplies help teams stay familiar with basic emergency response before an actual incident happens.

Useful CPR and AED training supplies may include:

• AED Trainers
• AED Training Pads
• Training Manikins
• CPR Faceshields
• CPR Masks

These supplies are helpful for workplaces, schools, churches, gyms, healthcare-adjacent facilities, and safety training programs.

Your AED Readiness Checklist

Use this simple AED readiness checklist during CPR and AED Awareness Week, or anytime you review your emergency supplies:

• AED device
• AED replacement pads
• AED batteries
• Pediatric AED pads, if needed
• AED wall cabinet
• AED signage
• AED inspection tag
• AED trainer
• CPR manikins
• CPR masks and face shields

For new AED programs, AED value packages can also be a practical option because they may include the AED and key accessories in one setup.

How Can You Keep Your AED Always Ready?

Facilities can keep an AED ready by checking the device status indicator, replacing expired pads and batteries, keeping the AED visible and accessible, using clear signage, and making sure staff know where the AED is located.

You cannot always predict when an emergency will happen. But you can make sure your AED supplies and accessories are ready before that moment comes.

At American Hospital Supply, we help organizations source AEDs, replacement pads, batteries, cabinets, signage, CPR training supplies, and other emergency preparedness essentials.