Single use AED

An automated external defibrillator (AED) arranged for no more than a single use for a single rescue at a customer location, and for a predetermined period of time, the AED comprising:

• a battery, wherein the battery has a capacity to support delivery of only a limited number of shocks for the single use;
• a connector for coupling the AED to an external power source for continually charging the battery from the power source such that the AED is stored and maintained ready for use to resuscitate a subject;
• a controller configured to execute self-testing routines periodically to test a plurality of functions and capabilities of the AED in order to determine a readiness for use of the AED;
• a set of electrodes that are attached to the AED and in electrical communication with the controller;
• and
• a communication unit in communication with the controller, the communication unit being configured to electronically transmit, based on a failed readiness for use determination, a service message for returning the AED to a supplier in response to either (i) an end of the predetermined period of time, or (ii) prior to an expiration of the predetermined period of time, a single usage of the AED for a rescue, as indicated by a sensed deployment of the set of electrodes.