Sealing an AED gives you certainty. A seal makes it immediately visible whether an AED or its bag has been opened. You can tell straight away whether the contents need restocking after use. For this application, a seal (with a low breaking strength) isn't a lock. It's visual proof that the AED is ready for use. That fits the underlying principle: fast access always outweighs security. The Dutch AED Keurmerk, the national AED certification mark, advises against using a lock on outdoor cabinets wherever possible. If a lock is used anyway, opening it must still be quick. AED KEURMERK, the Dutch Heart Foundation (Hartstichting), and HartslagNu, the Dutch national AED network, all say the same: preferably no lock. If a lock is unavoidable, choose a keypad code instead. Manufacturers such as Philips confirm the purpose of these seals: they're designed to flag misuse and must be easy to break away in an emergency.
After using the AED
If the seal is broken, always check the full set: electrodes, battery (where applicable), and the accessories included (gloves, razor, scissors, wipe, resuscitation mask). Replace any used or expired items, test the AED's status indicator, and apply a new seal straight away. Note the number of this seal and log the date and time. This routine shortens the turnaround time after use and makes sure the next person can rely on the AED being in the right condition.
Periodic checks
Plan a visual check at least once a month: is the green light on, or does the indicator show "OK"? Is the cabinet or bag undamaged, and is the seal intact? Does the cabinet open smoothly (worth checking after extreme cold or heat), and are the expiry dates on the electrodes and battery still valid? Note the seal number at every check. That way, it's immediately clear if something was opened in between.
Which seals work in practice?
Always choose a low breaking strength, so anyone can grab the AED straight away.
One Piece Seal (OPS) — an indicative seal with a thin tail (approx. 2.3 mm) and a low breaking strength (approx. 6 kg). Removed quickly by hand.
Light Duty Pull Tight (LPT) — similar to the OPS but slightly stronger (tail approx. 2.5 mm, approx. 7 kg). Suited to medical equipment and first-aid kits that need a touch more strength.
Medium Duty Pull Tight – Tear-Away (MPT-TA) — tail approx. 2.8 mm with a tear-away strip. Despite a higher breaking strength (approx. 12 kg), it can still be opened by hand.
PL5 Padlock Seal — practical for zips or fastening eyes. A thin pin fits through narrow openings and can also be broken by hand.
All of these seals are single use, individually numbered, and can even be personalised. That makes management and record keeping straightforward, and helps prevent tampering.
Sealing an AED: the step by step approach
Apply a low breaking strength seal to the bag or cabinet handle (avoid high pull strength cable ties).
Keep a logbook with the date, check points, and the seal number.
After every use: restock, check the status, reseal, and log it.
Avoid extra locks. If one is truly necessary, use a keypad code and keep the code readily available.
This approach combines the best of both worlds: immediate access during resuscitation, and visible assurance that the AED is complete and ready for use.
