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When it comes to having a defibrillator on-site, most businesses think they’re covered. But many are unknowingly making mistakes that could delay emergency response, damage their reputation, or worse – cost lives.
Here are 7 defibrillator mistakes businesses make in 2025 (and how to avoid them).
An AED should be visually inspected every week (ideally) or monthly if time doesn’t allow it. Failing to check battery levels, expiration dates or error indicators is one of the most common mistakes and a costly one. Estimates suggest that more than one in three public-access defibrillators in the UK are not in working order at any given time.
Top Tip: All ViVest models, like the PowerBeat X1 and X3, perform automated daily self-tests, reducing risk, but a quick weekly visual check is still vital.
AED pads and batteries have a shelf life, usually around 2 to 5 years. Expired components can fail at the worst time. Worse, some businesses don’t know when their components expire.
Fix it: Set up reminders and stock replacement AED pads and batteries early. There are solutions that now let you remotely monitor defibrillators via an app, so you don’t have to physically be next to the device to check its status.
In an emergency, every second counts. If your AED is locked in a cupboard, behind a desk, or on a different floor, you’re wasting critical time.
Best practice: Use a visible, wall-mounted indoor AED cabinet with proper signage and public access.
Although defibrillators are designed for anyone to use, training boosts confidence and reduces panic. It also teaches CPR alongside defibrillation for a more effective response.
Solution: Book a first aid course with AED training for your team.
No one can use the AED if they can’t find it. Many businesses fail to add clear, directional signage throughout the premises. If you have to use the device, you need to find it FAST.
We suggest you install bright, standardised AED signs and make sure staff know the location. These signs are inexpensive and usually photo luminescent, perfect for emergencies.
Resuscitation Council UK AED guidelines recommend visible signs and mapped access routes.
Many insurance providers, health & safety audits, and tenders require evidence that your AED is maintained.
✅ Do this: Use a digital or paper AED check log. This also helps with replacement scheduling and shows due diligence in emergencies.
Too often, the AED is installed, then forgotten. In an emergency, people panic. Without prior awareness sessions, staff may not use the AED, even if it’s nearby.
We recommend running a short demo during team meetings or onboarding. Most modern defibrillators are intuitive and user friendly, with a simple quick start guide enabling an end user able to use one. Just 10 minutes could save a life.
If you have an AED, fantastic! But don’t let it become a false sense of security.
Audit your setup, restock any expired accessories, and make sure your team is ready to act.
🔗 Useful Links:
ViVest PowerBeat X1 AED – Compact, affordable, with child mode
ViVest PowerBeat X3 AED – Premium screen-guided model
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