Does My Business Need a Defibrillator? UK Law, What to Look For and How to Choose

The Legal Position for UK Workplaces

There is currently no general legal requirement for most UK workplaces to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. This is a common misconception, partly fuelled by the Schools (Automated External Defibrillators) Regulations 2023, which came into force requiring state-funded schools in England to have at least one AED on the premises. No equivalent legislation applies to businesses at the time of writing.

However, the absence of a specific AED mandate does not mean the matter can be ignored. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide first aid equipment, facilities and personnel that are "adequate and appropriate in the circumstances." The Regulations do not specify what equipment is adequate — this is determined by a first aid needs assessment, which must take into account the nature of the work, the number of employees, the location of the premises and the likely risks. Depending on the outcome of that assessment, an AED may be identified as appropriate for your workplace. If it is, you are effectively required to provide one.

When Does a Needs Assessment Point to an AED?

BS 8599-1:2019 — the British Standard for workplace first aid kits — includes guidance on when AEDs should be considered. It recommends that defibrillators be available where there is a reasonable probability of cardiac arrest occurring. Factors that increase that probability include:

• Venues or sites accommodating more than 1,000 people
• Workplaces involving high levels of physical exertion, such as construction sites, warehouses and sports facilities
• Remote or rural worksites where ambulance response times are likely to exceed eight minutes
• Workplaces with a higher proportion of older workers
• Sites where members of the public are present in significant numbers

Even where none of these factors applies specifically, the British Heart Foundation and the Resuscitation Council UK both encourage widespread AED deployment on the grounds that cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time. A relatively modest investment in an AED can make the difference between life and death for an employee, customer or visitor.

Why the First Few Minutes Are Critical

Survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK remain disappointingly low — around one in ten. The single biggest factor in whether someone survives is the time between collapse and defibrillation. For every minute that passes without a shock being delivered, the chance of survival falls by approximately 10%. Conversely, when an AED is used within three to five minutes of collapse, survival rates can exceed 70%.

An ambulance in England takes an average of nine minutes to reach a life-threatening emergency call. In rural areas, that figure is considerably higher. An AED on site — used while waiting for the emergency services to arrive — can be the difference between a full recovery and a fatality.

Semi-Automatic vs Fully Automatic: Which Is Right for You?

AEDs come in two main configurations:

• Semi-automatic: the device analyses the heart rhythm and advises that a shock is needed, but the user must press a button to deliver it. This is the most common type and is used widely in public access settings.
• Fully automatic: the device analyses the rhythm and delivers the shock automatically, without requiring any input from the user beyond applying the electrode pads. This type is particularly well suited to environments where the device might be used by an untrained bystander in a state of panic.

Both types are safe for use by the general public. Modern AEDs are designed to be operated without prior training — they provide clear audio and visual instructions throughout, and they will not deliver a shock if the heart rhythm does not warrant one. That said, training in CPR and AED use significantly improves confidence and response quality, and is strongly encouraged by both the HSE and the British Heart Foundation.

Where to Site Your AED

Placement is critical. An AED is only useful if it can be retrieved and brought to a casualty within three to five minutes of collapse. Key siting principles:

• Position in a high-traffic area where it will be noticed and easily located in an emergency
• Ensure the AED can be reached from anywhere on site within three minutes — for larger premises, multiple units may be necessary
• Mount in a clearly marked, unlocked cabinet at a height accessible to most adults
• For outdoor locations, use a weatherproof cabinet; many include a tamper alarm to deter misuse without obstructing genuine emergency access
• Register the device on The Circuit — the national defibrillator network managed by the British Heart Foundation — so that ambulance dispatch services know it exists and can direct bystanders to it

Maintenance: Keeping Your AED Ready

Modern AEDs are low-maintenance but not maintenance-free. Key tasks to include in your inspection regime:

• Status indicator: most current AEDs run automatic self-tests and display a ready indicator. A green light typically means the device is ready; a fault indicator should be investigated and resolved promptly.
• Electrode pads: pads have a finite shelf life, typically around two years. Note the expiry date when pads are first fitted and set a reminder to replace them before they expire. Always keep a spare set of pads on site.
• Battery: batteries last several years in standby but must be replaced after a shock has been delivered or when the device indicates low battery.

Record AED checks as part of your regular first aid equipment inspections.

AED Training: Not Required by Law, but Strongly Advisable

You do not need a qualification to legally use an AED in the UK — Good Samaritan principles protect bystanders who act in good faith. However, training in CPR alongside AED use substantially improves response quality and user confidence. Many first aid training providers offer half-day AED familiarisation courses, and some manufacturers provide free online training resources to organisations that purchase their devices.

The HSE recommends that at least some employees receive AED training, particularly on sites where the needs assessment has identified an AED as appropriate equipment. Including AED familiarisation in your regular first aid training refresh is straightforward and inexpensive.

Browse our full range of defibrillators and AED cabinets from leading manufacturers. For complete workplace first aid provision, our first aid kits are available in BS 8599-1 compliant configurations for workplaces of all sizes and risk profiles.