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If your business owns or is planning to install a defibrillator, understanding current UK regulations isn’t just smart – it could be lifesaving. As more organisations adopt AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators), questions around liability, legal duties, and workplace obligations are becoming more common. Here’s what businesses need to know in 2025 to stay compliant, protected, and prepared.
No, defibrillators are not currently a legal requirement for most UK businesses. However, under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty of care to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. While AEDs aren’t mandatory, they are considered a best practice; especially in environments with higher footfall, elevated risk, or vulnerable people (e.g. schools, gyms, transport hubs). There is a good chance within the next few years, that this could change and all venues require a defibrillator.
No. UK law protects bystanders and non-medical personnel under the principle of “acting in good faith”. AEDs are designed for untrained users, with visual prompts and voice instructions. That said, first aid training including AED use is highly recommended. It boosts responder confidence and can improve outcomes. Many businesses opt for FAIB-accredited courses that include AED modules. See our training options here.
Though not law, the Resuscitation Council UK provides widely accepted AED guidelines for placement, signage, maintenance and training. Following this guidance helps demonstrate that your business has taken responsible steps.
Key recommendations include:
Generally, UK law protects organisations and individuals who act responsibly during emergencies. You are unlikely to be held liable for an unsuccessful resuscitation attempt. However, failure to maintain your AED or lack of reasonable access could present legal or reputational risk. Keep your AED accessible, functional and record its checks regularly.
Absolutely. While not explicitly required by law, having a well-maintained defibrillator on-site helps support your obligations under:
AEDs are increasingly viewed as part of a comprehensive workplace safety strategy. Additionally, having one can positively impact tender submissions, insurance premiums, and ESG credentials.
We supply defibrillators, wall cabinets, signage and accessories to help businesses stay compliant and save lives. Explore our full range or contact our team for tailored advice.
AED Regulations in the UK: What Businesses Need to Know in 2025 If your business owns or is planning to install a defibrillator, understanding current UK regulations isn’t just smart – it could be lifesaving. As more organisations adopt AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators), questions around liability,...
Summer First Aid Essentials: Why Defibrillators Matter at Events & Festivals As summer brings back festivals, sports days, outdoor markets, and live events across the UK, organisers are rightly focused on safety and preparation. From sunburns to sprains, first aid incidents spike as footfall rises. But...
Best Defibrillators to Buy in 2025 - Our Expert Picks When it comes to saving lives, a reliable and easy-to-use defibrillator makes all the difference. Whether you're a school, business, public venue, or simply a safety-conscious household, choosing the right AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can be...
Your Guide to Defibrillator Pads Defibrillator pads are a vital part of any Automated External Defibrillator (AED) setup, yet they’re often overlooked until an emergency strikes. Whether you manage a workplace, a school, or a community space, understanding how defibrillator pads work, when to replace them...
Do I Need a Defibrillator at My Workplace? A Practical Guide for UK Businesses In the UK, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike anyone, anywhere - and without warning. Each year, over 30,000 people experience SCA outside of hospital settings, and without rapid intervention, fewer than...
What Is a Defibrillator? A defibrillator is a life-saving device designed to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) by delivering an electric shock to the heart. The shock helps restore a normal rhythm, giving the victim the best possible chance of survival. Whether in workplaces, public spaces,...
Defibrillators Save Lives - Real Stories That Prove the Importance of AEDs Defibrillators save lives - and recent stories from across the globe are proof of just how essential they are in cardiac emergencies. Whether at work, school, or in the community, AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators)...
Life-Saving Loss of Pulse Detection In Google’s Pixel Watch 3 – What It Means for Emergency Response In a ground breaking update, Google’s Pixel Watch 3 now features Loss of Pulse Detection, a technology designed to identify cardiac arrest and automatically alert emergency services. This advancement...
ViVest Secures MDR Status in Europe – What This Means for the Future of Defibrillators The defibrillator industry is evolving, and ViVest has just taken a huge step forward. ViVest has officially secured Medical Device Regulation (MDR) status in Europe, reinforcing its position as a...
Ensuring Reliable Defibrillator Solutions Amid Recent Recalls Defibrillators play a crucial role in saving lives during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), but recent recalls have raised concerns about the reliability of some devices. Whether you're a business, school, gym, or public venue, having an effective and reliable...
Important Update: HeartSine Samaritan Defibrillators Face Regulatory Issues – Here’s What You Need to Know HeartSine Samaritan defibrillators have long been trusted by organizations and individuals to provide life-saving assistance during sudden cardiac arrest. However, recent regulatory and manufacturing challenges have raised concerns, affecting the availability...
In a world where public safety has become a pressing concern, governments and organizations are taking steps to ensure that every individual feels secure in public spaces. One such measure is Martyn’s Law, a proposed legislation aimed at improving security standards across public venues in the...
When we think about workplace safety, we often consider fire extinguishers, first aid kits, or evacuation plans. But what about defibrillators? Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike anyone, anytime, and without warning. Having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site can mean the difference between life and...
Defibrillators for Everyone: Why You Don’t Need Training to Save a Life Imagine someone near you collapses from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). You see an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) nearby, but hesitate. Should you use it without training? Could it make things worse? In reality, AEDs...
Would you consider a home defibrillator? When thinking about home medical supplies, items like first aid kits and thermometers probably come to mind. But what if a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) happens in your home? Would a defibrillator be available? Increasingly, families are considering home defibrillators...
ViVest Defibrillators: Affordable, Easy, and Ready to Save Lives When it comes to defibrillators, it's easy to assume that the most expensive brands are the best. But what if you could get a top-performing, reliable device without breaking the bank? ViVest defibrillators are proving that you...
The more you know... A defibrillator, often called a "defib," is a life-saving device designed to restore a normal heartbeat in people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). While most people have heard of defibrillators, many are not familiar with how they work, the different types available,...
A 'Peep' into PEEPs A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is a tailored plan designed to help individuals who may face difficulties evacuating a building during an emergency. PEEPs ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities or mobility challenges, can exit safely during incidents such as...
Defibrillators are essential in emergencies, but they need regular maintenance to ensure they work when it matters most. Neglecting maintenance can lead to device failure, which could have serious consequences. This article explores why regular defibrillator upkeep is crucial and what you can do to keep...
Why First Aid Courses are Essential in the Workplace First aid training in the workplace isn't just about ticking a box for compliance. It's about creating a safer, more confident work environment where everyone knows they can handle emergencies. Whether it's a minor injury or a...
The Life-Saver Imagine this... You're walking through a busy shopping centre when someone nearby collapses. Panic sets in as people gather, unsure of what to do. Amidst the chaos, a crucial piece of equipment lies waiting to save a life—a defibrillator. The problem is, fear often...
Understanding the Difference Between Semi-Automatic and Fully Automatic Defibrillators When it comes to choosing a defibrillator, understanding the difference between semi-automatic and fully automatic models is crucial. Both types save lives by delivering an electric shock to the heart in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, but...
Choosing the Best Defibrillator for You When choosing the best defibrillator for your needs, it’s crucial to consider various factors such as reliability, ease of use, and advanced features. We know its hard to tell which Defibrillator fits you best, that's why we do the work...
30 Facts About The Heart When it comes to keeping you alive and kicking, your heart is the true MVP. This muscular marvel works tirelessly, day in and day out, to keep blood flowing and your body running smoothly. Whether you're resting, running, or doing your...
CPR and AED's in Cardiac Arrest Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are critical tools in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is a leading cause of death worldwide, affecting people of all ages, often without warning. Therefore, CPR and AED awareness...
ViVest Defibrillators: The New Ones to Watch on the Market In the fast-paced world of medical technology, staying ahead with the latest advancements can make a significant difference in saving lives. At AED-Defib-Shop, we are excited to introduce a strong contender to the market: ViVest Defibrillators....
What is a Needs assessment? The aim of first aid is to reduce the effects of injury or illness at work. Employers are duty-bound to make an assessment of first-aid needs, appropriate to the circumstances of each workplace. This may include: Nature of the work being...
FACT: As an employer, you must provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure your employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. The Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 does require you to provide adequate first...
For someone in an organization who's in charge of health & safety, it's important to have a plan for fire evacuation. We asked Ian Thompson (sales & marketing director of EVAC+CHAIR International) and our main evacuation specialist manufacturers, what his thoughts are when considering evacuation from...
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