Defibrillators

There is no legal obligation to ensure that the defibrillator is regularly serviced however regular checks ensure it is always ready for action if required. It is the Health and Safety Manager's responsibility to ensure that the pads have not exceeded their standby life and that the battery is fully charged. All defibrillators carry out automatic self-tests which would indicate if there is a problem, but regular checks by a member of staff are necessary to detect whether the AED has detected an issue during its self-test.

Choosing the right defibrillator depends on where and how it will be used. For public spaces or workplaces, a fully automatic defibrillator is ideal — it delivers the shock without user intervention, making it easier for untrained responders. Semi-automatic defibrillators are also popular and require the user to press a button to deliver the shock. If you're buying for a school, gym, office, or home, look for models with clear voice prompts, long battery life, and easy maintenance. We stock trusted brands like Zoll, Ipad, and Philips — all compliant with UK safety standards. If you're unsure, our team is happy to help you choose the best AED for your needs.

Read our handy defibrillator buying guide to find out about the different types of defibrillators and their features.

A defibrillator (AED) can start from around £700 ex VAT and these will include a set of pads and the battery.

There are additional accessories that you can purchase including paediatric pads, carry cases, wall brackets and indoor / outdoor cabinets. It is recommended that you purchase suitable storage solution to protect your defib which also makes it easier to locate in an emergency.

No, a defibrillator will only shock if a shock is required so you are be unable to shock someone maliciously or by accident. Semi-automatic AEDs will advise responders when a shock is required and responders have to press a button to deliver shock, while fully-auto defibrillators automatically deliver shocks as necessary, if a shock is required. Both kinds of defibs provide clear warnings in advance of a shock being administered so that responders know not to touch the patient at that time.

A defibrillator (also known as a defib or an AED) is a medical device designed to treat patients with life threatening arrhythmias or when in cardiac arrest. If normal heart rhythm stops due to cardiac arrest, also known as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a defibrillator may help it start beating again in its normal rhythm. A sudden cardiac arrest is fatal unless treated right away with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and a defibrillator.

Defibrillators analyse the patient’s heart rhythm, and will advise if a shock is required, an AED will not shock a patient if it is not required.

A fully automatic defibrillator is ideal for use by untrained individuals and the general public. It delivers the shock to the heart automatically without any need for intervention.

A semi-automatic defibrillator requires input from the user and is therefore better suited to someone who has had training. It calculates when the shock needs to be delivered and will prompt the user to press a button to administer it.

Defibrillators are designed to administer an electrical charge (or shock) to a patient to stabilise the rhythm of their heart. A defib when first switched on, instructs the rescuer either via audio or visual cues (or both) depending on the model to place the pads on the patient. It then analyses whether the patient requires defibrillation by monitoring the hearts rhythm, it will then advise whether a shock is required or not.

There is no legal obligation for a defibrillator to be regularly serviced. Many defibrillators carry out automatic self tests on a daily, weekly and monthly basis and have a visual indicator if there is a problem with the unit. Defibrillator batteries and electrode pads have a stand-by lifespan, and it is the Responsible Persons or Health and Safety Manager's responsibility to ensure that these components are replaced before the time scale is exceeded, and that the battery remains fully charged (if rechargeable) ready for an emergency. A defibrillator does not have a set lifespan. As long as the battery and electrode pads are replaced when needed, the defibrillator will continue working past its warranty period.