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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 1 in 10 survive. This is where a defibrillator, or Automated External Defibrillator (AED), becomes a vital piece of workplace safety equipment.
But does every business need one? And if so, what are the legal and practical requirements?
Let’s break it down.
Currently, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not make it mandatory for every workplace to have an AED on site. However, HSE guidance strongly recommends that employers assess the need for a defibrillator as part of their first aid risk assessment.
If your business operates in a high-risk environment, works with the public, or has staff with known health conditions, having a defibrillator could significantly improve survival outcomes and demonstrate your commitment to duty of care.
Workplace Defibrillator’s are recommended to decrease the time it takes for a casualty to receive life saving assistance.
Although all workplaces can benefit, AEDs are particularly important in:
Offices and retail settings where large numbers of people gather
Factories and warehouses where physical exertion is high
Construction sites, due to increased accident risk
Schools and colleges, protecting both staff and students
Care homes, gyms, and leisure centres, where cardiac risks are higher
💡 Tip: If you have over 25 staff, consider an AED as part of your standard first aid provision.
During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping effectively. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival decreases by around 10%. Performing CPR and using an AED within 3–5 minutes of collapse can raise survival rates to over 70%.
Having an AED onsite ensures you’re ready to act instantly – before the ambulance arrives.
When choosing a defibrillator, consider:
Ease of use (fully or semi-automatic)
Durability (IP ratings for dusty or outdoor sites)
Voice prompts and visual guides
Pad/battery lifespan
Maintenance options
Explore our range of workplace defibrillators
Learn more about AED wall cabinets and signage
Book a first aid or AED training course
One of our customers (a small logistics company) installed an AED after a near-miss incident. Just six months later, a driver collapsed on-site. A trained staff member used the AED before paramedics arrived. The driver made a full recovery.
Without the AED? The outcome could have been tragically different.
So, do you need a defibrillator at your workplace? Legally, maybe not. Responsibly, absolutely.
It’s a low-cost, high-impact investment in your team’s safety. And in an emergency, it could be the single most important piece of equipment you own.
🔗 Browse our Top Selling Defibrillator
📞 Or contact our team to get tailored advice for your organisation
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