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Is It Time to Replace Your CR Plus Defibrillator? What Every AED Owner Must Know in 2025
Is It Time to Replace Your CR Plus Defibrillator? What Every AED Owner Must Know in 2025
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Is It Time to Replace Your CR Plus Defibrillator? What Every AED Owner Must Know in 2025January 23rd 2026

Why This Matters

If you or your organisation still rely on a LIFEPAK CR Plus AED, it’s time to pay attention. Physio‑Control discontinued the CR Plus and CR Express AED ranges in 2019. While support lingered for a while, the replacement pads and batteries are now becoming obsolete and are now fully discontinued as of January 2026.

In short: if you cannot get fresh consumables (pads/batteries), your lifetime‑old AED may stop being rescue‑ready, exactly when you need it most.

What “Discontinued” Really Means for You

When a defibrillator model is discontinued:

  • The manufacturer stops producing new units

  • Consumables (pads, batteries, CHARGE‑PAKs) become harder or impossible to source

  • Technical support and servicing wind down

  • In some cases, the AED can no longer be maintained in a rescue‑ready condition in future emergencies

For the LIFEPAK CR Plus, accessories like QUIK‑PAK electrodes and CHARGE‑PAK batteries are confirmed to stop being available, with limited stock left and long lead times at the time of writing.

Even if your AED still turns on today, expired consumables or a lack of spares can leave it unable to deliver a shock when needed, and that’s not a chance anyone should take.

10 Risks of Keeping an Outdated or Delisted AED

  1. No replacement pads available: Without fresh pads, an AED can’t administer a shock.

  2. No replacement battery supply: Expired battery = dead AED in an emergency.

  3. Technical support drying up: No service if faults occur.

  4. Higher compliance risk: Older devices may breach health & safety guidance.

  5. Insurance issues: Outdated AEDs may not satisfy workplace safety policies.

  6. Warranties have expired: CR Plus warranty was typically 8 years

  7. Failed self‑tests go unresolved: Because parts can’t be replaced.

  8. Life‑saving reliability declines: Aging electronics have internal parts that could fail, not showing any signs until its too late.

  9. No future proofing: Newer AEDs now have better guidance and technology.

  10. Stock shortages on remaining consumables: Long lead times or no stock.

    When to Act

    If your CR Plus AED is:

    • Outside its warranty period

    • Hard to source pads or batteries

    • Showing errors, warnings, or failed self‑tests

    …it’s time to upgrade. Don’t wait until the consumables you depend on are unobtainable.

    Best AED Replacements for CR Plus Owners

    When choosing a modern alternative, consider reliability, usability, consumable availability, ongoing support, and compliance with current standards.

    Here’s what we recommend:

    👉 ViVest PowerBeat X1 AED – 8 Years Manufacturers Warranty

    👉 ViVest PowerBeat X3 AED – 8 Years Manufacturers Warranty

    These modern AEDs come with readily available replacement pads and batteries, together with manufacturer support, so you’re not caught out the next time a sudden cardiac arrest happens.

    What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

    An AED without consumables:

    • Cannot deliver life‑saving shocks

    • May be non‑compliant with safety standards

    • Could leave your organisation liable in the event of an incident

    Replacing your old AED now means peace of mind, up‑to‑date technology, and uninterrupted readiness.

    How to Transition Smoothly

    1. Check your AED’s manufacture date and warranty

    2. Assess pad and battery expiry dates

    3. Plan your budget for replacement

    4. Consider training alongside your upgrade

    5. Dispose of your old AED responsibly – we can advise on recycling options and safe disposal

    Need Help Choosing a Replacement?

    Our team can guide you to the right AED for your environment, whether it’s a school, office, community space, or business setting. Contact us today for personalised advice.

    📞 Call now on 0141 248 4969 

    Explore modern, rescue‑ready AEDs:

    • 🧰 ViVest PowerBeat X1 AED (budget‑friendly, advanced features)

    • 📈 ViVest PowerBeat X3 AED (feature‑rich LCD guidance)

Is It Time to Replace Your CR Plus Defibrillator? What Every AED Owner Must Know in 2025

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