What is an automated external defibrillator (AED)?
Every minute counts when someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest. In those vital and critical moments, the difference between life and death comes down to one crucial piece of equipment: the automated external defibrillator (AED). But despite their life-saving potential, defibrillators in public spaces aren’t as utilised as they could be.
Did you know that providing an on-site AED increases survival rates by 50-70%? That’s why placing defibrillators in public spaces isn’t only a good idea, but a powerful step towards saving a life.
Information from Resuscitation Council UK
At St John Ambulance, we believe in providing everyone with the essential skills, knowledge and tools to save a life confidently. Here’s why defibrillators should be provided in public spaces, and how you can take action today.
What is a Defibrillator (AED) and why is it important?
A defibrillator, also known as an AED (automated external defibrillator), is a life-saving device that delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart when someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest. The shock helps restore a normal heart rhythm and can drastically improve the chances of survival if used within the first few minutes before the paramedics arrive.
Without quick thinking and immediate treatment, survival rates decreased by around 10% with every minute, which is why it’s so important that defibrillators are available in public spaces.
Why public access Defibrillators save lives
Public accessible defibrillators can be used by any member of the public when providing emergency first aid. They’re easy-to-use devices that are not only portable, but also provide step-by-step instructions to bystanders, helping deliver life-saving instructions regardless of skills or knowledge.
Modern AEDs like our HEART One and HEART Two come with a calm and clear voice directing the bystander on how to use the device and attach the defibrillator pads. A shock will then only be required if it’s needed, making our defibrillators safe and effective, even for people with no medical background.
A great resource when searching for a ‘defibrillator near me’ is using The Circuit. The national defibrillator network that pinpoints the nearest defibrillator to you, so anyone can access it during an emergency, especially emergency services.
Every minute matters, which is why The Circuit is used by the nation's 14 ambulance services, including us.
Whether you’re looking to purchase a defibrillator for your organisation or just interested in AED options, we have an array of devices available.
Find out more about The Circuit and answers to frequently asked questions, Click here.
Fully Automated AEDs for untrained responders
A fully automated AED is a device that takes over from the bystander as soon as the electrode pads are put in place. Not only does it provide clear visuals and voice prompts, but it's designed to analyse the casualty’s heart rhythm and deliver a life-saving electric shock without the need to push a button. From easy-to-read instructions and inclusive graphics, providing life-saving first aid is effective and prompt with a fully automated AED.
Why is a fully automated AED useful for untrained responders? Because it delivers the high-energy shock to the casualty as soon as one is needed, meaning the responder can focus on providing CPR, which the AED also provides clear instructions on.
Bystanders who have never seen one before may feel nervous to use it, but with a fully automated AED, all they have to do is turn it on, place the electrode pads, and the device will shock on its own.
Take a look at our fully automated AEDs, so you can be prepared if a worst-case scenario ever occurs.
Fully automatic models
iPAD SP1 AED Fully Automatic Defibrillator
ZOLL AED 3 Fully Automatic Defibrillator
ZOLL AED Plus Fully Automatic Defibrillator
DefiSign Life Fully Automatic Defibrillator
Fully automatic models
Here are some fully automatic defibrillator models our customers buy
Shop defibrillatorsIndoor vs outdoor cabinets
When installing a defibrillator, it’s important to think about how it will be protected and accessed. Indoor cabinets are ideal for offices, schools and community venues, where not only can the AED be kept secure, but also be visible and close to where groups are situated.
Outdoor cabinets, however, are designed to withstand the elements, but also for community access. From being weatherproof and temperature controlled, to brightly coloured, and fitted with alarms to deter theft and misuse. Choosing the right cabinet helps ensure that your defibrillator is used by the right people, at the right time and is ready to use when needed.
Defibrillators in schools: protecting young people & staff
Schools are busy, active environments, and although cardiac arrests in children are rare, they can happen, and are more likely to occur in adults on school premises. It’s always best to be prepared.
Having a defibrillator on site means:
- Rapid response times for pupils, staff, parents or visitors
- Reassurance for the whole school community
- A safe and practical way to support first aid training and emergency planning
Many schools already teach first aid, but combining that knowledge with access to a defibrillator empowers staff and students with the confidence that if an emergency occurs, rapid first aid can be administered.
Defibrillators in offices & at work
Adults spend most of their lives at work, while most cardiac arrests occur in people aged 50 or over; cardiac arrests in young people (aged 35+) are on the rise, according to CRY (Cardiac Arrest in the Young). So, making your office space safer with access to a defibrillator is essential.
Installing an AED in your workplace:
- Supports your duty of care to employees and visitors
- Strengthens your health and safety provisions
- Shows a commitment to wellbeing
Having an on-site AED or knowing where your nearest one is not only instils confidence but can help save a life.
Community venues: at the heart of saving lives
Community venues, sports clubs, places of worship and village halls are high-risk environments, where people gather together to socialise, exercise and connect with each other. But when disaster strikes, the time to act should be quick. Which is why community venues are the ideal locations to place AEDs.
- They’re accessible to large numbers of people
- Can be shared with the wider community
- Support emergency response in rural or remote areas
Having a visible and well-maintained defibrillator in a community venue can give everyone peace of mind.
More than a medical device: confidence, training & support
Although there are defibrillators that deliver shocks for you, like the fully-automated AED, they are most effective when people feel confident using them. Which is why St John Ambulance champions first aid and emergency first aid training.
With a combined learning approach of online and in-class, not only will you gain the skills and knowledge to act quickly and effectively in an emergency, but you’ll also build confidence in yourselves if an emergency strikes.
Learning how to perform CPR and how to use an AED helps remove any fear or hesitation in an emergency. When people know what to do, they’re far more likely to act.
We offer an array of training courses and opportunities. Take a look and see if there’s a course perfect for you.
Placing a defibrillator in a public place, such as schools, offices, leisure centre and community venues, is the right step towards saving lives. From easy-to-use AEDs and the proper cabinets to store them, to trusted equipment designed for real-life emergencies. By purchasing from us, you’ll also be supporting our charitable work, helping us train more people and reach more communities.
Because when cardiac arrest strikes, being prepared isn’t an option; it’s lifesaving.
