Should I have an AED on site?

Simon Francis
Jun 2
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

A Life-Saving Decision which is concisely explained

When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, every second counts. But would your workplace or venue be prepared to respond? In this post, we explain what an AED is, why it's important, and whether your business should have one on site.

What is an AED?

Firstly it is important to understand what an AED is. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) by delivering an electric shock to help the heart re-establish a normal rhythm.

Modern AEDs are:

Easy to use, even with no medical background
Equipped with voice prompts as well as clear instructions
Designed for use in the critical first minutes of an emergency

Why exactly are AEDs so important?

Every year in the UK, Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) claims the lives of over 30,000 people. Without quick

Having an AED on site can:

Double or triple survival chances
Bridge the gap before paramedics arrive
Provide immediate life-saving treatment

It is important to understand that survival rates decrease by approximately 10% for every minute without defibrillation.

Who Should Have an AED On Site?

Any organisation or business with staff, customers, or public visitors really should consider an AED — this is particularly true if you operate:

Schools or childcare facilities
Gyms and fitness centres
Licensed premises (pubs, clubs, events)
Factories, warehouses, or construction sites
Offices with over 25 employees
Shops, leisure centres, community venues

So, what does UK law say about AED requirements?

Currently, AEDs are not legally required by UK law. However, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must ensure a safe environment, which includes planning for medical emergencies.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that employers assess the need for AEDs based on:

Workforce size
Public access
Risk level of the environment

Are AEDs expensive?

AED's are not as much as you might think. Basic models start from around £800, with many suppliers offering rental or finance plans.

Ongoing costs do include:

Electrode pads: ~£30–£50 (replace every 2–5 years or after use)
Battery replacement: every 4–5 years

When you compare the cost to the value of a human life or potential legal liability, an AED is a small investment with big impact.

Where should an AED be located?

For maximum effectiveness, an AED should be:

Installed in a visible and accessible area
Placed near high-risk zones (e.g. gyms, kitchens, workshops)
Ensured it can be reached from anywhere in under 2 minutes
With clear signage to guide users

Do Staff need training to use an AED?

It is important to note that while anyone can use an AED — thanks to built-in prompts and visual guidance — training improves both confidence and response time.

CPR & AED training:

Helps to reinforce correct procedures
Ensures faster, safer action
Reduces hesitation in emergencies

At Dynamo Training Solutions, we provide CPR & AED training as part of our First Aid qualifications — tailored to your specific business needs.

Should I have an AED on site?- Conclusion

In answering the question, should I have an AED on site, having an AED on site isn’t just a safety upgrade or tick box exercise— it’s a potential life-saver.

If you're responsible for a workplace, school, gym, or licensed premises, the question you should ask is : Could you afford not to have one?