AEDs, or automated external defibrillators, are life-saving devices that can be used in the event of an emergency to shock a person’s heart back into a normal rhythm. AEDs are becoming increasingly common in public places, and for good reason…
They save lives.
When someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, being near an AED can mean the difference between life and death for that patient, which is why AED locations need to be accessible and strategic.
Read on to get our tips for optimal AED placement and suggestions on how to keep your AED locations top of mind.
Easily Accessible Locations
AEDs should be placed in easily accessible areas so that people can find them quickly in the event of an emergency.
This will ensure that more people are able to access this life-saving device and respond to a cardiac arrest incident faster.
Examples of easily accessible areas include:
- Entrances to public places or homes
- Main hallways on every floor of commercial buildings
- Near emergency exits
- Near elevators
- In lobbies
Whichever AED location you choose, the key is making sure that it is highly visible. Visibility can be achieved with clear directional and location AED signage.
AED accessibility also includes considering those with disabilities by making sure that your AED locations are ADA Compliant.
According to guidelines from the Americans with Disabilities Act, the height of the AED handle should be no more than 48 inches from the ground to account for wheelchair users, etc.
High-Traffic Areas
To help ensure public safety, it’s important that AEDs be placed in high-traffic areas, including:
- Airports
- Schools
- Public parks
- Malls
- Amusement parks
There are numerous news stories that showcase the need for AEDs in high-traffic, public areas. Just this past June, there were 2 separate instances within the same week where bystanders used a public access defibrillator to save individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.
Need an AED for your business? Get your FRX AED today!
Create an AED Location Map
If someone yells for an AED, you want to be able to point it out fast.
That’s where AED location mapping comes in handy.
An AED map is a diagram that clearly plots the location of AEDs in a given area, which can be helpful for first responders and others who need to access AEDs quickly in an emergency.
An AED map is also beneficial for workers in a public space to keep track of AED inventory and retrieve it or provide directions to first responders in an emergency.
At the end of the day, there is technically no wrong location for an AED – having one onsite is the most important thing.
However, by placing AEDs in strategic locations, first responders will be able to access them quicker, giving cardiac arrest patients an increased chance of survival.
So if you see an AED, don’t hesitate to use it!
Want to get involved? Find out how you can help get AEDs installed in your city!
