The Benefits of Providing Workplace AEDs
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of unexpected deaths in the UK. It can strike anyone, anywhere — including at work. Having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the workplace can make the difference between life and death.
What is an AED?
An AED, sometimes simply called a defib, is a portable medical device designed to analyse a person’s heart rhythm and, if needed, deliver a controlled electric shock. This shock can help restore a normal heart rhythm in someone who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Modern AEDs are designed for ease of use. They give clear voice instructions, meaning even someone with minimal medical knowledge can operate one confidently in an emergency.
What Does an AED Do?
An AED performs three essential functions during a cardiac emergency. First, it analyses the person’s heart rhythm to determine whether a shock is required. If a dangerous rhythm is detected, the AED delivers a controlled electric shock. This shock briefly stops all electrical activity in the heart, allowing it to reset and increasing the chance of it returning to its normal rhythm.
Throughout the process, the device provides step-by-step voice prompts to guide the user, ensuring that help is given quickly and effectively even by those with little or no medical training.
Training and Confidence in Using an AED
While AEDs are designed for untrained use, confidence improves with training. AED awareness and practice are commonly included in workplace First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work courses. Training typically covers:
- When and how to use an AED.
- Combining AED use with CPR for maximum effectiveness.
- Understanding safety considerations.
Having staff trained in both CPR and AED use helps ensure a fast, coordinated response in a real emergency.
Survival Statistics: With and Without an AED
The use of an AED makes a dramatic difference to survival rates:
- Without an AED: overall survival from sudden cardiac arrest in the UK is often less than 1 in 10 (around 6–8%). Survival chances decrease by about 10% for every minute without defibrillation and CPR.
- With CPR alone: Providing immediate CPR can double or triple survival chances, but it rarely restores the heart rhythm without defibrillation.
- With an AED and CPR: If an AED is used within the first 3–5 minutes, survival rates can be as high as 60–74%, depending on how quickly the shock is delivered.
These figures highlight just how critical an AED is. It’s not just a “nice to have” — it’s a proven, life-saving intervention.
The Legal Standpoint
Unlike first aid kits, which are a legal requirement under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, workplaces in the UK are not legally required to provide an AED.
However, every employer must carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine what provisions are required for their workplace. In some cases, that assessment may indicate that an AED is necessary. For example:
- Large workplaces or high footfall environments – Factories, warehouses, stadiums, shopping centres, or transport hubs where the risk of a cardiac event is statistically higher.
- Remote or isolated locations – e.g. construction sites, or rural offices, emergency services may take longer to arrive.”
- Workforces with higher risk profiles – Workplaces with older employees, or those where strenuous physical activity or high stress is common.
- Duty of care to the public – Businesses such as gyms, schools, leisure centres, or hospitality venues where members of the public may also be at risk.
While there is no blanket legal obligation, the outcome of a risk-based needs assessment could reasonably justify the provision of an AED as part of an organisation’s first aid arrangements.
Guidance from the Resuscitation Council UK and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) strongly encourages the provision of AEDs, recognising their proven effectiveness in saving lives.
Cost Considerations
Investing in an AED is not just about the initial purchase price. Employers should be aware of the additional costs involved in ensuring the device remains safe, effective, and accessible:
- Replacement pads and batteries – These have a limited shelf life, typically needing replacement every two to four years, or immediately after use. A set of paediatric pads are also needed if children are likely to be present, as standard pads are not suitable for younger patients.
- Storage and visibility – While some workplaces keep an AED in a first aid room, many choose to install a dedicated wall cabinet or alarmed outdoor cabinet to make the device more accessible.
- Signage – Clear signage helps ensure employees and visitors know where the AED is located in an emergency. Standardised green and white AED signs may need to be purchased and fitted.
- Training staff – Although AEDs are designed for ease of use, providing formal AED and CPR training builds confidence and ensures a fast, effective response. Training courses have associated costs, especially when multiple staff are trained.
- Servicing and checks – Routine inspections and occasional servicing may be needed, depending on the manufacturer’s guidance. Some organisations also opt for maintenance contracts.
When budgeting for an AED, employers should consider the whole-life cost of ownership, rather than just the upfront purchase price.
Overcoming Fears About Using an AED
One common barrier to AED use is fear. Many people worry about doing something wrong, accidentally harming the person, or even being “responsible” for a bad outcome.
It’s important to understand that AEDs are designed to be fail-safe. The device will only deliver a shock if it detects a shockable heart rhythm. If a shock is not required, the AED will not allow one to be given — meaning you cannot harm someone by using it.
The voice prompts and visual cues guide the user every step of the way, reducing hesitation and confusion. In fact, the greatest risk is not using an AED at all, as every minute of delay drastically reduces survival chances.
By reassuring staff that they cannot accidentally shock the wrong person, and by encouraging confidence through training, staff can overcome these fears and ensure AEDs are used promptly and effectively when needed.
Why Workplaces Should Invest in an AED
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Protects employees and visitors – Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, not just those with known heart problems.
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Buys vital time before paramedics arrive – Even in urban areas, emergency response can take several minutes. An AED can be used almost immediately.
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Demonstrates commitment to safety – Providing an AED shows employees and clients that health and safety are taken seriously.
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Goes beyond compliance – While not legally required, AED provision sets a strong example of proactive workplace safety.
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Supports the wider community – If an AED is made publicly available (for example, positioned in an accessible location outside working hours), it can benefit not only staff and visitors but also members of the local community. This not only could save more lives but also demonstrates the Organisation’s strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) by contributing positively to public health and safety.
How Can Practical Safety Limited Help?
At Practical Safety Ltd, we support organisations in going beyond compliance and ensuring their people are protected. We can help your business by:
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Conducting first aid needs assessments – Identifying whether an AED is recommended for your workplace based on size, risk profile, and environment.
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Providing training – Delivering tailored AED and CPR training courses to ensure staff are confident and prepared to act in an emergency. We use the latest defib and CPR training equipment to provide a realistic, hands-on learning experience, and our trainers employ engaging training techniques to keep sessions practical, memorable, and effective. See more about our courses here.
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Guidance on placement and equipment – Advising on the most suitable AED models, storage solutions, signage, and maintenance plans.
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Ongoing support – Helping you keep your AED programme effective with refresher training and advice on replacement consumables.
Our goal is to make workplace safety practical, achievable, and effective — giving you confidence that you’re doing everything possible to protect lives.
Conclusion
An AED is a simple, effective, and potentially life-saving piece of equipment. Combined with CPR and basic first aid training, it can drastically increase survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
While the law does not yet require every workplace to have one, many organisations find that their first aid needs assessment highlights the clear benefits and, in some cases, the necessity of having an AED available. The statistics speak for themselves: with an AED, survival rates are many times higher than without.
For employers, the decision to provide an AED is not just about compliance — it is about taking responsibility, protecting people, and creating a safer environment. Whether you run a small office, a busy warehouse, or a public-facing venue, the presence of an AED sends a clear message: you value lives and are prepared to act when it matters most.
Yes, there are costs associated with AEDs — from consumables, signage, and paediatric pads to storage, training, and maintenance — but these pale in comparison to the value of a life saved. An AED may never be needed in your workplace — but if it is, it could be the difference between tragedy and survival.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
*Disclaimer: Please note that it is the duty of the employer to make a needs assessment of the first aid provision appropriate to their workplace. This page is for information purposes only. The information contained on this page is intended as an overall introduction to Automatic External Defibrillators and is not intended as specific advice from a qualified professional. Practical Safety Ltd aims to avoid, but accepts no liability, in the case that any information stated is incorrect or out of date.
