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Defibrillators and Accessories for Schools

Defibrillators for schools provide essential protection against sudden cardiac arrest, giving staff, pupils, and visitors the best chance of survival in an emergency. With a wide range of AEDs, accessories, and maintenance options available, schools can stay compliant with DfE guidance while creating a safer learning environment.

Defibrillator Guide for Schools

Why Schools Need Defibrillators

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time including pupils, staff, and visitors in schools. Having emergency medical devices on site ensures that lifesaving treatment can begin immediately, before emergency services arrive.

With survival rates decreasing by around 10% for every minute without defibrillation. Quick access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can make the difference between life and death.

Schools have a duty of care to protect the wellbeing of everyone on their premises. Defibrillators provide vital reassurance, showing parents, staff, and pupils that they are prepared to handle emergencies.

Legislation & Guidance for Schools

The Department for Education (DfE) strongly recommends that every school has access to a defibrillator as part of its first aid provision. Since 2022, all state-funded schools in England have been supplied with defibrillators. Ensuring that pupils, staff, and visitors are protected in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.

Further, In England the statutory Health Education curriculum for secondary school pupils includes AED awareness and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Schools can enhance this with teaching using training AEDs.

How to Maintain Your Schools Defibrillator

Modern defibrillators are designed to be reliable and easy to care for. But regular maintenance is essential to ensure they are always ready for use. Most devices perform automatic self-tests and display a warning sign or light if they detect a fault.

DfE state that schools should have a clear procedure in place for checking these indicators at least once a week. With a designated person responsible and a record kept of each check. If the defibrillator is stored in a cabinet, the condition of the cabinet should also be inspected regularly.

Consumables such as electrode pads, safety razors, gloves and pocket masks must be replaced after every use. Batteries may also need replacing after an incident, depending on the manufacturer’s guidance.

Pads and batteries contain an expiry date, even if someone has not used them. They should be replaced before they expire to ensure they work well.

How Do Defibrillators Work?

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are lifesaving devices that deliver an electric shock to a person in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), helping restore a normal heart rhythm.

How an AED Works:

Voice-Guided Instructions – AEDs provide clear audio prompts, allowing anyone to use them, even without prior training.
Heart Rhythm Analysis – Once electrode pads are attached to the chest, the AED automatically detects if a shock is needed.
Shock Delivery (If Required) – The AED will only administer a shock if necessary.
- Semi-Automatic AEDs require the user to press a button to deliver the shock.
- Fully Automatic AEDs deliver the shock automatically after a warning and countdown.
How the Shock Helps – The shock pauses the heart's chaotic rhythm, allowing it to reset and hopefully return to a normal beat.

Why Early Defibrillation Matters

Every minute counts – Survival chances drop by 10% per minute without defibrillation.
Using an AED within 3–5 minutes of collapse offers the best chance of survival.
While not every case of SCA is survivable, early defibrillation dramatically improves outcomes.

Having an AED readily available can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.

Semi-Automatic Defibrillators

Semi-automatic defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices that require the user to press a button to deliver a shock when prompted. They are designed to be easy to use while ensuring the rescuer remains in control.

Key Benefits:

More control for the rescuer – The shock is only delivered when the user confirms it’s safe to do so.
Clear audio instructions – Guides the user step-by-step, making it easy for anyone to operate.
Reliable and effective – Only delivers a shock if the heart is in a shockable rhythm.

Fully-Automatic Defibrillators

Fully-automatic defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to deliver a shock without the need for user intervention, making them ideal for untrained responders in high-pressure situations.

Key Benefits:

No button to press – Reduces hesitation and speeds up treatment.
Ideal for public use – Provides fully guided assistance, making it easier for untrained users.
Fast response – Ensures the shock is delivered as quickly as possible without delay.

Where Should Defibrillators Be Located?

Ensuring a defibrillator (AED) is placed in the right location can save lives. It should be easy to find, clearly signed, and accessible in an emergency.

1. Publicly Accessible Locations

AEDs should be installed in high-traffic areas where cardiac arrests are more likely to occur
Common locations include offices, schools, gyms, shopping centres, train stations, sports venues, and community spaces
For outdoor locations, use a weatherproof, heated AED cabinet to keep the device protected and functional

Publicly accessible defibrillators make a real difference in survival rates. By placing AEDs in open, well-signposted locations, organisations maximise their impact and help save lives within the immediate community.

2. Clear and Visible Signage

The AED cabinet must be clearly labelled with "Defibrillator" or "AED" and the universal heart symbol.
Additional signage should be placed above the cabinet (e.g., mounted on a wall or post) to ensure visibility, even if obstacles like parked vehicles block the view.
Raise awareness by adding AED location signs in nearby businesses or public areas to help people locate it in an emergency.

3. Informing the Ambulance Service

Register your AED with The Circuit (thecircuit.uk) – the UK’s national defibrillator network.
This ensures 999 and 112 operators can direct bystanders to the nearest available AED when responding to an emergency.
Provide details such as the AED location, cabinet access code (if locked), and AED model to ensure responders can access and use it effectively.

Proper placement, clear signage, and emergency service registration make an AED more effective in a life-threatening situation. Ensure your device is easy to find, easy to access, and known to local emergency services.

How Should Defibrillators Be Stored?

Proper storage ensures a defibrillator (AED) remains fully functional and accessible in an emergency. The right cabinet depends on location, security, and environmental conditions.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage:

Indoor cabinets

Suitable for controlled environments but must not be used outdoors.

Outdoor AEDs

Need weatherproof, temperature-controlled cabinets to prevent battery damage.

Outdoor AED Cabinet Considerations:

Temperature Control

AEDs function between 0–50°C and must stay above freezing.
Heated cabinets prevent freezing, while ventilated cabinets reduce overheating.

Security & Access

Open access is recommended by the UK Resuscitation Council to prevent delays.
Keypad entry is an option if security is a concern—avoid key-locked cabinets.

Visibility & Awareness

Clear signage and good lighting ensure the AED is visible, even at night.

Power Supply

Plug-in cabinets are easy to install but risk being switched off.
Hardwired options are more reliable but require professional installation.
Solar-powered cabinets work well in remote locations with sufficient sunlight.

Weather Resistance & Construction

IP-rated cabinets protect against dust and water—higher ratings offer better protection.
Stainless steel is the most durable, while plastic cabinets are lightweight and corrosion-resistant.

Choosing the Right Storage Solution

Select an easily accessible, well-protected AED cabinet suited to your environment. Proper placement ensures the AED is always ready when needed.

Defibrillator Accessories, Inspection, and Maintenance

To ensure a defibrillator (AED) is always ready for use, regular maintenance and timely replacement of essential accessories are crucial.

Batteries

AED batteries have a standby life of 2–5 years, depending on the model.
Regularly check battery status indicators and replace before expiry to avoid failure in an emergency.

Pads (Electrodes)

AED pads expire after 2–5 years and must be replaced once used.
Some models have child-specific pads or a child key/switch to adjust energy levels for paediatric use.

Regular Maintenance Checks

Perform routine inspections to ensure the AED is fully operational.
Check:
- Battery and pad expiry dates
- Status indicator (most AEDs have a light or screen showing readiness)
- Casing and accessories for damage
Store in a visible, accessible location and ensure all staff know how to use it.

A well-maintained AED ensures fast, reliable response in a cardiac emergency.