Bride Commissioners say the village's public defibrillator was waiting for a battery change when it was found to be out of order.
The statement comes after a village resident posted on social media how she went to use the lifesaving device earlier this month, but found it hadn't been maintained since August.
It's now functioning again, but the commissioners say they've decided to still keep it out of service.
The local authority explained it will stay this way until government or another medical service takes responsibility for training volunteers and maintaining Island defibrillators, the unit will stay out of use.
Commissioners added the machine was bought with a donation from a member of the public, not a charity, and maintained by volunteers.
It says the decision was partly due to threats allegedly received by the volunteers and commissioners about the issue.
Hospice UK head calls Island cuts "cack-handed" ministerial muddle
Bus drivers voting on "final offer" from government
Vampire show featuring Manx ferry cancelled
Did chief minister's message spark fuel panic-buying?
Joe Locke lands purr-fect new role!
Steam Packet fuel surcharge isn't about profit, says chief minister
Ferry crossing delayed by half an hour
Paw-some rescue effort after Milo gets trapped in ravine