Defibrillators

A defibrillator is a device that can be used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm during a cardiac arrest.

A defibrillator is important because it can save a life during a cardiac arrest. It delivers a controlled electric shock that can help restart the heart's normal rhythm. Using a defibrillator within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest greatly increases the chance of survival, especially before emergency services arrive.

Yes, AED defibrillators are designed so that anyone can use them, even without medical training. However, we do offer defibrillator familiarisation training courses.

A semi-automatic defibrillator tells you when a shock is needed, and you press a button to deliver it. A fully automatic defibrillator also tells you when a shock is needed, but it delivers the shock automatically without you pressing the button. See the full breakdown below.

We sell a range of refurbished defibrillators. The units are fully tested by our calibration team to ensure that they're rescue-ready. They come with brand-new pads and batteries. The cases tend to have minor cosmetic damage, but this does not affect the unit itself.

Find out more about our servicing and calibration.

Defibrillators should be placed in accessible locations such as workplaces, schools, community centres, gyms and public buildings.

Defibrillators perform regular self-checks, but pads and batteries should be checked and replaced before the expiry dates shown on them. Our calibration team offers an AED health check which ensures your defibrillator is rescue-ready. Please contact [email protected] for more information and pricing about our defibrillator service.

A semi-automatic AED prompts the first responder when a shock is needed, allowing them to deliver it by pressing a button. These devices still provide clear instructions, like fully automatic AEDs, on when to stand clear and when to press the shock button.

Semi-automatic AEDs give the responder full control over the shocks, enabling them to verify all conditions beforehand and potentially achieve a quicker shock because they initiate it manually.

A fully automatic AED detects a shockable heart rhythm and delivers a shock without needing the first responder to intervene. It provides clear, step-by-step voice guidance and counts down before administering the shock.

While fully automatic defibrillators usually have a marginally longer time to deliver a shock compared to semi-automatic units, they reduce the responder's responsibility since the device manages shock delivery independently.