Excerpt: “Our evaluation found that AED equipment was not always operational or available at some IRS PODs. From June through August 2024, we conducted unannounced inspections of 62 PODs with 418 AEDs as of May 2024. We found that:
• 114 AEDs did not include proper signage. Having proper signage posted allows individuals to identify the presence and location of an AED in the event of an emergency.
• 52 AED pad-paks were expired, 29 spare pad-paks were missing, and 2 pad-paks were damaged. Pad-paks, essential to the operation of an AED, adhere to the chest of a victim and include batteries that fuel the electric shock when defibrillating a person suffering from an SCA.
• 9 AEDs were not properly stored in a mounted, alarmed AED cabinet. Placing an AED inside a mounted cabinet can help ensure that the AED remains secure, is easily accessible in the event of an emergency, and is returned after the emergency response has ceased.
• 3 AEDs were not operational.
• 1 nonoperational AED trainer model was erroneously identified as an operational AED at an IRS POD. Misidentifying the AED trainer model may mislead responders in an emergency. Our review confirmed there were two operational AEDs available to staff at the POD.”
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