Where is an AED located?

Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) are located in a number of places. Of course, medical practices such as hospitals and doctors store AEDs however, they can be found in numerous other places across the country.

AEDs are used in an emergency when someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest. When this occurs, the heart either stops or, beats too fast or too slow. A defibrillator is used to shock the heart with the aim being to stop it in order for it to begin beating again at it’s own pace.

A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. This means that the more places that AEDs are located, the better. You can find AEDs stored in supermarkets, offices, schools, sports facilities, local towns and villages and factories.

When in your local neighbourhood or at work, keep a look out for where your nearest defibrillator is stored, it could make the difference between life and death. If stored outside, defibrillators can often be located in brightly coloured cabinets such as green or yellow. They are usually locked to ensure they can’t be stolen or vandalised. To access the defibrillator, you simply need to call 999 and give the code that is on the cabinet, the emergency services will then give you a series of numbers that will open it.

If stored in your place of work or another building such as a supermarket, defibrillators are often placed on a wall mount so that they can be easily taken in an emergency. Most defibrillators are designed to be lightweight so that they can be quickly transported or carried in an emergency.

If you are in an emergency and need to use a defibrillator, you must also remember to call the emergency services as soon as possible. Defibrillators can be used by anyone so even if you have no prior health and safety training, you can follow the simple audio or visual steps that will guide you through the process until the paramedics arrive.

There are a number of different defibrillators on the market that are designed for different environments. You can get a lightweight, weatherproof defibrillator that is designed to withstand extreme weather and would be ideal if used in treacherous situations such as up a mountain. There are also lightweight, less weatherproof defibrillators that are stored mostly inside or in a cabinet and are probably the most common. These can be found in places such as homes, offices or shops. Thirdly, there are defibrillators that are designed specifically for children as the electrode pads are smaller, ensuring the shock that is delivered is not to strong.

Depending on where you are will depend on the type of defibrillator that you will come across. All are life saving pieces of equipment and when someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, are the one thing that you can rely on.