What must be checked for the AED during a preflight inspection?

The correct answer highlights the importance of verifying that the blue or green seal is intact during the preflight inspection of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The seal serves as a crucial indicator that the device has not been tampered with or used, ensuring its readiness for emergency situations. An intact seal confirms that the AED is in its original state and that all components are secure, which is essential for reliability when it’s needed.

Checking the seal is a critical step in ensuring that the AED is functional and has not been compromised since previous inspections. This aspect of inspection is particularly important because the effectiveness of the AED during an emergency relies on the assurance that it is properly maintained and available for use without any prior issues that could affect its performance.

While other components like the flashing light, hoses, and battery status are important to check for different reasons – such as ensuring the device is powered and operational – the intact seal specifically indicates the AED's overall readiness and integrity, making it a primary focus during preflight checks.