Time to Upgrade: Why Replacing Your Discontinued AED Is Essential for Safety
Having a dependable Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site is one of the most important steps an organization can take to prepare for sudden cardiac arrest. But if your facility is still relying on older units—such as the LIFEPAK CR Plus, LIFEPAK EXPRESS, or Cardiac Science Powerheart G3—it may be time to consider an upgrade. All three models have reached official end-of-life status, meaning that manufacturers have stopped supporting them and will not continue producing essential parts.
What does this mean for your emergency preparedness plan? Here are the key reasons upgrading now is a smart move for safety, compliance, and peace of mind.
1. Replacement Parts Are Becoming Difficult to Source
Once an AED model is discontinued, the clock starts ticking on the availability of critical consumables like batteries and electrode pads. For end-of-life units such as the CR Plus, Express, and G3, manufacturers have either already halted production or are in the process of phasing out supplies.
As remaining inventory dwindles, locating compatible accessories becomes more challenging. Organizations risk facing long backorders, inflated prices, or complete unavailability—leaving their AED unusable at the moment it’s needed most.
2. Rising Costs Make Upkeep Inefficient
Even when parts are still available, they often come at a steep premium. Suppliers typically increase prices for discontinued models because manufacturing stops, and the market shifts to scarce remaining stock.
Maintaining an aging AED can quickly become more expensive than simply replacing it with a modern, fully supported device. Facilities may find themselves investing hundreds of dollars into equipment that manufacturers no longer service.
3. Compliance and Liability Risks Increase Over Time
AED guidelines require organizations to follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance and readiness. When an AED is no longer supported, it becomes difficult—or impossible—to maintain compliance.
Using an out-of-service or unsupported AED exposes organizations to safety gaps and potential liability. In a cardiac emergency, every second counts, and an unreliable device could have severe consequences for both the victim and the facility responsible for providing care.
Upgrading ensures your emergency response plan aligns with current standards and eliminates the risk of relying on outdated equipment.
4. Modern AEDs Offer Superior Technology and Ease of Use
AED technology has made significant strides since the release of the CR Plus, Express, and G3 models. Today’s devices often include:
Real-time CPR coaching
Faster analysis and shock delivery
More durable and lightweight designs
Better data connectivity and monitoring
Enhanced shock algorithms with improved patient outcomes
Upgrading allows your organization to take advantage of these improvements, helping responders perform confidently and maximizing survival potential during sudden cardiac arrest.
5. Confidence That Your Equipment Will Work When It Matters
The primary purpose of having an AED is to ensure lifesaving equipment is immediately available during an emergency. Continuing to rely on discontinued devices introduces uncertainty at a time when certainty is essential.
Replacing end-of-life AEDs restores peace of mind. You’ll know your equipment is supported, serviceable, and ready for action—without the fear of outdated components failing when seconds matter most.
Don’t Delay—Upgrade Your AED Today
The LIFEPAK CR Plus, LIFEPAK EXPRESS, and Cardiac Science Powerheart G3 have been widely used and trusted for many years, but their lifecycle has come to an end. As supplies become scarce and maintenance becomes increasingly difficult, upgrading is the safest and most cost-effective path forward.
A new AED ensures your organization remains compliant, prepared, and equipped with the latest lifesaving technology.
Need Help Choosing the Right Replacement AED?
We can help you compare models, evaluate features, and select an AED that fits your facility’s needs and budget. Whether you're replacing a single unit or upgrading multiple locations, our team is here to make the process simple.
