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Dept of Health

Answer

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average life span of (a) ambulances and (b) defibrillator batteries is; and what measures ambulance trusts are required to put in place to ensure that there is an orderly process by which to replace obsolescent equipment. [143242] Ms Rosie Winterton: The average life span of an ambulance is seven years for patient transport services and five years for accident and emergency ambulances. Defibrillators are supplied with rechargeable batteries. Different battery technologies are used by different suppliers. The majority of suppliers suggest that the battery, if used and maintained correctly, will last between two to three years. This equates to an `in use time' of in excess of 100 full power shocks (the full power rating differs between machines). Community defibrillators--automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) which are currently in use in public places during this phase of the National Defibrillator Programme contain lithium batteries. The average life expectancy for this type of battery is five years, depending on the type of AED, the site it serves and the number of deployments. It is for each national health service trust to maintain records and have systems in place that ensure this equipment is maintained and replaced at the appropriate times.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

415 c756W; 143242

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Ambulance services Medical equipment Standards Vehicles Defibrillators

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk