In Latvia, Cabinet Regulation No. 481 requires every defibrillator (AED) installed in a public place to have a responsible person who carries out a visual check at least once a quarter and records it. Here we explain what to record in the inspection log and offer a free template you can print. These are Latvian rules and do not apply in Estonia.
What Latvian Cabinet Regulation No. 481 requires
- The owner or operator of the public place appoints a responsible person.
- Following the manufacturer's instructions, the responsible person carries out a visual check of the defibrillator at least once a quarter and completes the inspection records.
- The result is recorded in free form, stating who carried out the check (name, surname), the location, the date and any deficiencies found.
- The visual inspection records are kept for three years.
- The responsible person is trained in first aid in accordance with Latvian Cabinet Regulation No. 557.
The checks and record-keeping can be fully or partly delegated to another company or person. Compliance is checked by the Latvian Health Inspectorate.
How often to check an AED
The minimum is once a quarter – at least 4 times a year. If the manufacturer's instructions require more frequent checks, follow them. In practice, it helps to schedule the check for the first week of each quarter and put it in your calendar.
What to check visually
The exact list is set by your AED manufacturer's instructions. In practice, a visual check usually confirms the following:
- The AED is in its place, freely accessible and clearly visible.
- The status indicator shows the device is ready for use and there is no error signal.
- The pad packaging is intact and the pads have not expired.
- The battery has not expired.
- The device and bag show no visible damage.
- The first-aid kit is complete: scissors, razor, gloves, rescue breathing mask or face shield.
- The AED signs are in place and legible.
- If the AED is in a cabinet – the cabinet is undamaged and the heating of an outdoor cabinet works.
For pad and battery replacement, see the article AED maintenance: when to replace pads and battery.
AED inspection log template
Print this page – only the log template will be printed (A4 landscape recommended). One sheet covers 8 checks, i.e. two years.
AED visual inspection log
| Public place and address | |
|---|---|
| AED location (floor, room) | |
| AED model and serial number | |
| Responsible person (name, surname, phone) | |
| Pad / battery expiry date |
| No. | Date | Checked by (name, surname) | Location | Status indicator OK (yes/no) | Pads and battery valid (yes/no) | Kit and signs in place (yes/no) | Deficiencies found and action taken | Signature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||||||
| 2 | ||||||||
| 3 | ||||||||
| 4 | ||||||||
| 5 | ||||||||
| 6 | ||||||||
| 7 | ||||||||
| 8 |
Check at least once a quarter in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Keep records for 3 years (Latvian Cabinet Regulation No. 481, points 5.3 and 5.5). Template: AED Baltics, aedbaltics.com
Tips that make checks easier
- Keep the log next to the AED or in one known place, so the person checking can always find it.
- Write the pad and battery expiry dates in the log header – that way they are visible at every check.
- If you find a deficiency, record it and the action taken – for example, that new pads or a battery have been ordered.
- After every use of the AED, the pads must be replaced; check the device and make an entry.
Frequently asked questions
Can the log be kept electronically?
The regulation does not prescribe a specific format – the result is recorded in free form. What matters is that each entry states who checked, the location, the date and any deficiencies, and that the records can be produced for three years.
Who can be the responsible person?
A person appointed by the owner or operator of the public place and trained in first aid. The responsible person's contact details must also be included in the notification to the State Agency of Medicines.
Can the checks be outsourced?
Yes, the checks and record-keeping can be fully or partly delegated to another company or person.
Check whether an AED is mandatory for your site with our AED calculator. All Latvian requirements are summarised in the article AED requirements in Latvia from 2026. Need a new device? See our defibrillators or contact us – +371 20 913 911, info@aedbaltics.com. We remind you about pad and battery expiry dates, so you do not have to keep track yourself.
This article is for information only and is not legal advice. Source: Latvian Cabinet Regulation No. 481 on automated external defibrillators (likumi.lv), checked in November 2026.
