Defibrillation and Low Temperature: A Winter Guide

How to Store Defibrillators in Below-Freezing Temperatures

With most public access defibrillators being stored outside to make them accessible any time of day in the event of an emergency, it is important that if you choose to store your AED outside, make sure that you invest in an appropriate cabinet for your device that will shelter it from temperatures below freezing (and heat too). 

To keep your defibrillator functioning during the winter when stored outdoors for public access, you will need an outdoor heated cabinet. This protects the defib and adjusts accordingly to ensure your life-saving device is kept at the right operating temperature and ready for use in an emergency at all times. This means you will need to have access to a power supply! Planning to install a public access defibrillator? Browse our outdoor packages.

For AEDs stored in vehicles, make sure to routinely check the unit for readiness. If the AED is chirping or displaying a service needed status indicator, take the unit indoors. Once it has a chance to warm up, if it’s still beeping, contact the manufacturer or reseller for further instruction.

Protecting Defibrillator Accessories from Low Temperatures

Defibrillator pads are a core component, as they allow your defibrillator to analyse heart rhythms and deliver a life-saving shock when required. If defib pads are exposed to cold, the gel on the adhesive pads can freeze, rendering them unusable in a cardiac emergency.

Batteries are a main component as they provide your defibrillator with power to function and deliver life-saving treatment. It’s essential to ensure your device is ready and able to perform its daily, weekly, and monthly self-checks to remain fully operational. There is a risk that cold weather will drain batteries, which in turn can affect how your device performs.

If you keep a defibrillator in your car or work vehicle, insulated cases can help protect it from temperatures below freezing. You may also want to invest in an extra battery, because cooler temperatures are extra hard on your battery! View our range of batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Defibrillator Be Used in Below-Freezing Temperatures?

A defibrillator can only be relied on in cold conditions if it has been stored correctly and kept within the operating temperature recommended by its manufacturer, usually 0°C to 50°C.

If an AED is stored in below-freezing temperatures without protection, cold weather can affect batteries, pad adhesion and internal electronics. Even if a device powers on, there is a risk it may not analyse heart rhythms or deliver a shock correctly.

This is why it’s essential to keep outdoor defibrillators in heated, weatherproof cabinets to ensure they stay at they are ready for emergency use all year round.

Can You Defibrillate a Hypothermic Patient?

Yes, you can defibrillate a hypothermic patient if they are in cardiac arrest and the AED advises a shock.

Hypothermia can increase the risk of cardiac arrest and any delay to treatment can be life-threatening. An AED will analyse the heart rhythm of the patient and decide whether a shock is needed, regardless of body temperature.

Is it Safe to Defibrillate on Ice?

You can safely use a defibrillator on ice or snow as long as you take some basic precautions. Before applying the defibrillator pads, ensure the patient’s chest is as dry as possible. If there is any moisture, wipe it away so the pads will stay in place. The responder should also avoid kneeling in standing water during shock delivery.

Modern AEDs are designed to be used in a wide range of environments, including winter weather conditions. Ice or snow do not prevent defibrillation, and using an AED is safer than delaying treatment.

Want some inspiration?

If you have an outdoor public access Defib, be sure to invest in an all-weather cabinet and check the device’s batteries and pads monthly. We have detailed some of the best at the end of this article!