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It’s important to clean the AED and replace the pads and other equipment immediately after each use so that the device is ready for effective use without delay. Here’s a protocol you can adapt to ensure safe and effective post-incident AED cleaning.
Instructions: AED equipment must be cleaned immediately after each use as soon as the victim is transferred to EMS, the hospital or another person’s care so that the AED is returned to a ready state for the next use. Cleaning should be carried out by the person who used the AED in accordance with this Protocol and the instructions of the AED manufacturer.
- Handling of EMS Medical Waste
Be on the lookout for needles, I.V. catheters and other medical sharps and equipment that may be contaminated with medical waste. Carefully place any contaminated or potentially contaminated items that you handle or encounter in an approved biohazard waste container.
Wear Nitrile gloves and other required personal protective equipment at all times when cleaning used medical equipment.
- Cleaning of AED
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning the AED. In general:
- Use only approved cleaning agents, including warm soapy water and materials available from [list source];
- Do not immerse the AED in water;
- Clean with a damp sponge or cloth.
- Replacement of AED Pads
Replace AED pads after each use and ensure that there’s at least one set of replacement pads available for the next time the AED is used.
