Defibrillators for Community and Public-Access Sites
A public-access defibrillator can be used by anyone, at any time, so it needs clear voice prompts, a sensible location and someone who looks after it. This guide is for village halls, parish and town councils, community groups, shops, churches and stations.
Why a community defibrillator matters
When someone collapses in a public place, every minute without CPR and a shock counts, and an ambulance may take time to arrive. A defibrillator that is close, signed and registered gives bystanders the chance to act while help is on the way.
What to look for in a public-access AED
- Clear voice prompts for anyoneThe user may never have seen a defibrillator. The Comen G Series gives voice prompts at every step, switches language at the touch of a button and adjusts its volume in noisy places.
- Tough and weather-resistantIP55 protection against dust and water and a 1.5 m drop rating.
- Adult and child useAdult and paediatric pads are pre-connected, with a one-touch adult and child switch.
- Easy to look afterSelf-testing, a disposable maintenance-free battery and pads with a clear expiry date.
Location and access
Choose a spot that is visible, signed and reachable at all hours if you can, close to where people gather. A defibrillator kept outdoors needs protection from the weather and from theft, so think about storage as well as the device. Register it on The Circuit so that, in an emergency, the 999 call handler can direct callers to it and, where the cabinet is locked, give the access code.
Who looks after it?
Name a guardian, and a deputy, who check it regularly, keep a log, and make sure pads and the battery are replaced before they expire. Keep your Circuit entry up to date if it moves or changes. No formal training is needed to use an AED, but a short CPR and AED awareness session for local volunteers is a good idea.
Looking after it
Check the status indicator on a regular routine, for example weekly, and keep a simple log. Note the expiry dates of the pads and the battery so replacements are ordered in time. The G3 and G3A pads have a validity period of 42 months, and their battery is disposable and maintenance-free with a standby life of more than 6 years under the manufacturer's stated conditions. Replace the pads after any use. We supply replacement defibrillator pads for the G Series and for most other makes. Ask us about replacement pads and batteries. Register the defibrillator on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, so that the ambulance service can direct a 999 caller to it.
Which defibrillator do we suggest?
We suggest the Comen G Series AED (G3, G3A, G5 and G5A): voice-guided, with adult and paediatric pads pre-connected, up to 360 J, and IP55 protection. Semi-automatic and fully automatic versions are available. Tell us about your site and we will suggest the right model and send a quote. Standard dispatch is 48 hours.
OscarTech UK is an approved supplier on the NHS Supply Chain framework for external defibrillation devices and related services and accessories. If you buy through NHS Supply Chain, contact us to confirm whether the model you need is available under the framework.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Follow your local first-aid and resuscitation guidance and seek clinical advice where you need it.
Who is responsible for a community defibrillator?
The owner of the device, usually the group or council that bought it, should name a guardian and a deputy to check it regularly and replace the pads and battery before they expire.
Does a public defibrillator need to be registered?
Registering it on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network, lets the ambulance service direct a 999 caller to it and, where the cabinet is locked, give the access code.
Can anyone use it?
Yes. An AED gives voice prompts for every step, so no formal training is needed, although CPR and AED awareness is recommended.
What happens when the pads or battery expire?
They need to be replaced. Check the dates regularly, and replace the pads after any use. Ask us about replacement pads and batteries.
How do we get a quote?
Use the form. Tell us about your site and who will look after it, and we will come back with a suggested defibrillator and a quote.
Tell us about your site and who will look after it. We will suggest a defibrillator and send you a quote.
Get a defibrillator for your siteCouldn't find what you're looking for?
Our team can help source the right instrument or confirm a specific reference code for your setting.