Aed, Blog

The Best AED Location – Where to Find an AED

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firstaid

June 28, 2021

On October 30, 2017

The Best AED Location – Where to Find an AED

Quick! Someone has just suffered a cardiac arrest and is now on the ground in need of assistance! You immediately instruct someone to call 911 and then you tell someone else to find the AED location. The person looks at you and asks “where will I find an AED?”

This is an important question that, if the answer is unknown, could mean precious time is wasted searching – time that the person in need does not have. The faster a victim can get attention from an AED, the higher chance of survival. So, if you have already purchased an AED, do you know the best location to keep it? Here is your guide to the best AED locations and where to likely find one in an emergency.

AED Location – Accessibility

When an emergency occurs, it is crucial that an AED is brought to the individual as soon as possible. This is important because, as stated by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, “For every one minute delay in defibrillation, the survival rate of a cardiac arrest victim decreases by 7 to 10%.” You need an AED in an accessible place. Having your AED in a spot such as a closet, under a desk, or on a high shelf is not easy to find. Your AED location should be visible, easy to reach, and accessible by all. One of the best options is to mount your AED on the wall.

AED Location – Close Proximity & Awareness

In addition to having your AED accessible, make sure that there is an AED in each area of your location. For example, if you work in an office building, it is not realistic to have an AED on another floor. Instead, have an AED on each office floor, and inform all staff of its location. A recent study found that almost half of workers do not know where the AED in their building was located. A video from Today in the US decided to go out and actually test if people could locate an AED at a local gym – the results were shocking (and not in the way we had hoped).

It is detrimental that staff, team, and the public know where this life-saving device is! Keep your AED in close proximity to people and make them aware of its presence. This will ensure that the AED is found before the survival rate has decreased beyond help.

AED Location – Signage

In order for people to know where an AED is, they need to see labels and signs to point them in the right direction. Having noticeable cases, such as the Heartshaped Cabinet (a red, heartshaped, alarm cabinet that is apparent on the wall), will be more memorable and noticeable when someone is searching for an AED For more professional offices, the standard alarmed cabinet is the most popular. In addition, the best AED location is always clearly identified with signs. There are a number of different signs available to ensure that the AED location is found by anyone.

Tips to Finding an AED

Because you may not know where an AED is in every location, there are a few tips you can keep in mind if an emergency should occur.

In public places, the most likely spot to keep an AED is on a wall where it is easily accessible. Many times, they are placed near fire-extinguishers or entrances/exits.
If you do not see an AED nearby, one of the best guesses you can make is to find someone who works in the location. If you are at a mall, head to the nearest “Guest Services” booth. At a hockey arena, reach out to the cleaning staff or facility organizers. Etc.
Find the defibrillator yourself! When you head out on your daily routine, keep any eye out for AEDs nearby! At the grocery store, your favorite coffee shop, or the gym. Keeping this thought in the back of your mind could mean that there is one more person who knows where to find it. If you are unable to locate an AED on y
Download the ‘pulsepoint’ app now so you have it handy at all times. It is still picking up speed and you can help save many lives by adding AED’s into the program as you find them. This will allow people in the area to see where an AED close to them is.

Finding an AED could mean life or death in an emergency. Having your defibrillator accessible, in close proximity to people, and properly signed could save a life! Learn where your nearest AEDs are and be prepared!

Have you discovered that your favourite lunch spot or yoga studio does not carry an AED? Ask them why! Inform them of the importance of this life-saving machine and encourage them to have one nearby! The more AEDs the world has, the safer and more prepared we can be!

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