Winter Defibrillator Consumables
Learn how winter affects AED batteries pads and rescue kits and how to keep your AED fully stocked safe and ready to use during cold weather.
Winter can be one of the most demanding seasons for public access defibrillators. Cold temperatures, reduced daylight, harsh weather, and increased respiratory and cardiac strain on the population all increase the likelihood of cardiac emergencies. At the same time, winter conditions can negatively impact defibrillator consumables if they are not properly checked and maintained.
Ensuring your AED consumables are winter ready is a simple but essential step in keeping your defibrillator rescue ready when it matters most.
Why Winter Is Harder on Defibrillator Consumables
Cold weather affects more than just people. Defibrillator consumables such as batteries, electrode pads, and rescue accessories are sensitive to temperature changes, moisture, and condensation. Outdoor cabinets are particularly exposed, but indoor units in unheated spaces can also be at risk.
During winter, defibrillators are also statistically more likely to be needed. Cold weather increases strain on the heart, and shorter days mean incidents are more likely to happen in low light or poor conditions. This makes it vital that consumables are in date, fully functional, and immediately usable.
Defibrillator Batteries in Cold Weather
How winter affects AED batteries
Defibrillator batteries are one of the most critical consumables, and cold temperatures can reduce their efficiency. In extreme cold, batteries may drain faster or fail to deliver the required power when a shock is needed.
If a battery is already close to its expiry date, winter conditions can push it beyond reliable performance.
What to check
• Battery expiry date
• Device status indicator or readiness light
• Audible warning alerts
• Manufacturer recommended operating temperature
If your defibrillator is stored outdoors, winter is the time to be proactive. Replacing a battery slightly early is far safer than risking failure during an emergency.
Electrode Pads and Cold Temperature Risks
Why pads are vulnerable in winter
Defibrillator electrode pads rely on conductive gel to deliver an effective shock. Cold temperatures can cause this gel to stiffen or degrade, especially if pads are exposed to freezing conditions or repeated temperature fluctuations.
In addition, moisture and condensation can compromise adhesive strength, making pads harder to apply quickly in an emergency.
Key checks for electrode pads
• Expiry date clearly visible
• Packaging fully sealed
• No signs of moisture or condensation
• Correct adult or paediatric pads available
If pads are due to expire during winter, replacing them in advance ensures full performance when seconds count
Rescue Kits and Accessories Often Overlooked
Many defibrillators are supplied with a rescue kit, but these items are frequently forgotten during winter checks.
Items to review
• Scissors for cutting clothing
• Disposable gloves
• Face shield or CPR mask
• Towel or absorbent wipes
In winter, casualties are more likely to be wearing thick clothing and multiple layers. Functional scissors are essential to expose the chest quickly and safely.
Replacing missing or damaged rescue accessories is a low cost step that significantly improves readiness.
Outdoor Cabinets and Consumable Protection
If your defibrillator is stored outdoors, the cabinet plays a major role in protecting consumables.
Winter cabinet considerations
• Insulation to maintain stable internal temperature
• Working heating element if fitted
• Clear visibility and accessibility in poor weather
• Secure seals to prevent water ingress
A heated cabinet helps protect batteries and pads from freezing temperatures and reduces the risk of condensation damage.
Consumables Expiry Dates: Why Winter Is the Time to Act
Winter is not the season to delay replacing expiring consumables. If batteries or pads expire during the colder months, replacement may be delayed by poor weather, access issues, or reduced staffing.
A simple winter audit allows you to plan replacements ahead of time and avoid gaps in defibrillator readiness.
Creating a Winter Consumables Checklist
A structured checklist makes ongoing maintenance simple and consistent.
Suggested winter checklist
• Check battery status and expiry
• Check adult and paediatric pad expiry
• Inspect pad packaging for moisture
• Test cabinet heating and seals
• Replace missing rescue accessories
• Record checks in a maintenance log
Carrying out these checks monthly during winter provides reassurance that your AED will perform exactly as expected.
Supporting a Heart Safe Community All Year Round
Defibrillator consumables are just as important as the device itself. A well maintained AED with up to date consumables gives bystanders confidence to act quickly and effectively in an emergency.
Winter brings additional challenges, but with simple checks and timely replacements, defibrillators can remain reliable, visible, and ready to save lives throughout the coldest months.
At Defib Supplies, we support organisations, communities, and businesses in keeping their defibrillators rescue ready in every season, because preparedness should never depend on the weather.