Knowing how to find the serial number on your AED can be helpful if you want:
- additional information about the model you have
- to register your AED with the manufacturer and local authorities
- to replace the pads or battery
- to make a claim regarding a product recall
While the exact location of the serial number varies by manufacturer, there are a few commonalities that make the serial number easy to find.
Location of the Serial Number
The serial number on an AED is located on a sticker at the back of the device—at the top, on one of the corners, or on the side. The sticker itself usually has the letters “SN” followed by a series of letters and numbers and a barcode underneath.
Philips AEDs
The serial number on a Philips AED is located on the back of the device next to the battery well.
HeartSine AEDs
The serial number on HeartSine Samaritan PAD (350P, 360P, 450P) AEDs is located on the right side of the underside of the device.
Defibtech AEDs
The serial number on Defibtech defibrillators is located at the upper back of the device. For the Defibtech Lifeline DCF-100, the serial number is located just below the handle. You may need to remove the spare electrode pad bag from the pocket to uncover it.
Cardiac Science AEDs
The Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 has a large sticker on the upper back of the device with the serial number, expiration date, and other important information.
Physio-Control AEDs
The serial number on the Physio-Control LIFEPAK CR2 is on the large sticker at the bottom of the underside, under the battery well.
ZOLL AEDs
The ZOLL AED 3 has the serial number sticker on the back, just above the battery well. Be sure not to confuse it with the barcode sticker on the battery pack itself.
Serial Number Format
The exact format of the serial number varies by manufacturer. For example, Philips HeartStart OnSite serial numbers start with the letter “A” whereas Philips HeartStart FRx serial numbers start with the letter “B.” In both cases, the A or B is followed by 8 numbers and letters. The general format is BXXX-XXXXX. HeartSine Samaritan PAD serial numbers generally consist of 10 or 11 digits: two numbers, a letter, and an additional series of numbers. The first two digits are the year of manufacture.
Where to Get More Information About Your AED
Once you’ve found the serial number, you can contact the manufacturer directly through its website to ask for more information if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for. Sometimes, you might be asked to fill out a contact form. Other times, you’ll be given an email address. Either way, be sure to include the serial number and your purchase information in communications regarding your device.
Register Your AED with EMS
Whichever brand you have, you should also register your serial number and the AED’s location with your local emergency medical system. The state of New Hampshire, for example, has a website and matching app where you can register your AED.
Cardiac arrest statistics show that rapid defibrillation is one of the best ways to improve survival rates, and you never know when there might be a sudden cardiac arrest near you. If the rescuers can locate your external defibrillator, it could help them treat an SCA victim in time.
Keep Your External Defibrillator Up to Date
When you search for the serial number, check the expiration dates on the battery and electrode pads, too. AEDs with parts that are out of date won’t function as they should. Depending on the brand, batteries and electrode pads need to be replaced every two to five years. For some brands, these parts are sold separately. For others, they come as a pack.
To ensure your AED is always ready to use in an emergency, register your AED with the manufacturer, sign up for the vendor’s battery and pad replacement reminder service, and consider AED program management for facilities that have or manage several defibrillators at a time. Your up-to-date external defibrillator could save a life.