Defibrillators for Workplaces

Do workplaces need a defibrillator?

In most workplaces there is no specific legal duty to provide a defibrillator, but employers must assess their first-aid needs, and that assessment should consider whether one is appropriate. Check the current HSE guidance on first aid at work. Many employers decide to provide one because of the size of the site, the number of people, the age of the workforce, remote areas or visitors.

What to look for in a workplace AED

• One model across every siteIf you have more than one site, the same model everywhere means staff know how to use it wherever they are, and spares and replacement pads are simple to order.
• Clear voice prompts, in the right languageThe Comen G Series switches language at the touch of a button and adjusts its volume automatically in noisy places.
• Easy upkeepSelf-testing, clearly dated pads, and a disposable maintenance-free battery. Wi-Fi, cellular and Bluetooth connectivity options are available on some models (availability may vary).
• Adult and child useVisitors can be any age. Adult and paediatric pads are pre-connected on the G Series.

Where to place it and how many you need

Put it in a central, well-signed spot such as reception, and think about shift workers, night staff and areas that are far from reception. A common rule of thumb is that a defibrillator should be reachable within about three minutes of a collapse, so a large building, several floors or a spread-out site may need more than one. Include it in your site plan, your induction and your emergency procedures.

People and training

Name a person, and a deputy, responsible for checking the defibrillator and ordering replacements. No formal training is needed to use an AED, because it gives voice prompts, but CPR and AED awareness for first aiders and staff is recommended.

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. 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 business 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.