In addition to the required annual biomedical inspection of a facility’s defibrillator, a user test in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for use must be completed each day a non-hospital facility provides patient care. A user test confirms that a defibrillator is functioning properly, and the time and date stamp are correct.
User tests can be performed automatically by the defibrillator using a self test plug/cable or by staff performing a manual user test. If a facility chooses to perform a manual user test (i.e., the defibrillator is not equipped with a self test plug/cable), all regulated health professionals (nurses and physicians) working at a non-hospital facility must be trained on how to perform the manual user test on the defibrillator that is stocked on the facility emergency cart.
Before the start of the first procedure, a user test (automatic or manual) must be performed each day the facility provides patient care. User tests must be documented and if the defibrillator fails a user test, the facility must cancel procedures until such time the defibrillator is repaired or replaced.