Every year in the UK, thousands of workers and customers collapse from sudden cardiac arrest. Having the right defibrillator (AED) at your business can mean the difference between life and death.
This guide helps you navigate the UK AED market, separating genuine quality from marketing hype to choose an AED that will actually perform when lives depend on it.
🚨 Key Considerations at a Glance
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Actual reliability: Manufacturer claims vs real-world failure rates
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Critical features: Real-time CPR feedback, rapid shock, and proven waveform performance
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Total cost of ownership: Consumable lifespan, training, maintenance
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Environment suitability: Real-world durability, IP ratings, and readiness monitoring
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UK compliance: CE/UKCA marking, MHRA listing, and HSE guidance
Understanding AED Technology: What Really Matters
What Are AEDs?
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are portable devices that analyse a person's heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock when necessary to treat sudden cardiac arrest. They are designed for layperson use in workplaces, public spaces, and industrial environments.
All AEDs should:
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Automatically analyse the rhythm and determine if a shock is needed
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Provide clear, step-by-step voice and visual instructions
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Include CPR prompts and safety checks
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Record the event for post-incident review
Premium AED Features That Matter
What Separates Premium Units
Superior Energy Delivery
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Premium units typically deliver 200J+ energy output
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Budget units often limited to 150J or less
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Higher energy ensures effective defibrillation across a broader range of patients
Proven Biphasic Waveforms
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STAR® Biphasic (Cardiac Science) uses variable escalating energy adjusted to patient impedance
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Rectilinear Biphasic™ (ZOLL): current-controlled for consistent current delivery across a wide impedance range, minimising over-delivery in low-impedance patients while still effective in high-impedance cases
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Both are clinically validated for high first shock efficacy and patient safety
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Referenced in: Comparative Performance Assessment of AEDs, S. Tang et al., Resuscitation Journal (2019)
Manufacturing Quality and Reliability
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ZOLL tests every unit before shipping, unlike most competitors using sample batch testing
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Results in lowest known out-of-box failure rate (<0.1%)
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ZOLL manufactures all electrodes in-house for greater quality control
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Cardiac Science G5: performs the most comprehensive self-tests on the market, including a unique electrode functionality test and battery analysis
Environmental Monitoring – G5 Unique Feature
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Cardiac Science G5 features a built-in "TEMP TOO COLD" warning when stored below its operational range (0°C to +50°C)
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Only AED currently offering this proactive alert – ensures users are warned in advance, before deployment is compromised
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Particularly valuable for AEDs stored in outdoor cabinets, unheated areas, or vehicles in winter months
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All premium units IP55-rated or better and drop-tested to industry standards
Real CPR Feedback (ZOLL)
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ZOLL AEDs use a patented sensor in standard pads to measure actual chest compression depth and rate in real time
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Provides audio prompts and visual bar gauge for effective CPR delivery without separate accessories
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Unique to ZOLL among leading AEDs
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Backed by evidence: A multi-site study showed survival to discharge improved from 6% to 11% with CPR feedback implementation (Bobrow et al., 2013)
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Credible source: Bobrow BJ et al., Resuscitation (2013); 84(2):149–153. DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2012.09.030
RapidShock™ Analysis (ZOLL AED 3)
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Enables shock delivery in <5 seconds post-CPR
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Aligns with ERC 2021 Guidelines: shock within 10 seconds of pausing compressions
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Reduces pause time, improving chance of ROSC
Proven Paediatric Algorithm (ZOLL AEDs)
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ZOLL AED 3 and AED Plus feature the only commercially available AEDs with a dedicated paediatric ECG algorithm
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All other manufacturers use adult analysis algorithms with reduced energy delivery, which may misinterpret paediatric arrhythmias
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Why this matters: Children experience different cardiac rhythms, and adult-only analysis increases the risk of inappropriate shocks or missed defibrillation
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ZOLL's algorithm is tuned specifically for paediatric physiology, improving safety and treatment accuracy
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Validated performance: 100% sensitivity for detecting paediatric ventricular fibrillation (VF) and 99.4% specificity for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
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Credible source: ZOLL White Paper – Because Children Are Not Little Adults: The Case for a Paediatric ECG Algorithm
Visual and Audio Support
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ZOLL AED 3 uniquely features a full-colour screen with live video instructions for pad placement and CPR coaching — including a bar gauge and countdown timer — setting it apart for noisy or high-stress environments
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G5 and AED Plus also include LCD screens and real-time text guidance
Other Notable Differentiators
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G5 uses non-side-specific pads — simplifies placement under stress
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G5 offers optional CPR feedback (Intellisense sensor) and dual-language support
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ZOLL AED Plus offers unmatched consumable lifespan: both pads and battery up to 5 years
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G5 battery includes a 4-year unconditional manufacturer-backed guarantee — one of the most comprehensive in the industry at time of writing
UK Legal and Regulatory Framework
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No legal requirement to have an AED in UK workplaces — but the HSE recommends considering one in your risk assessment
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Devices must be CE- or UKCA-marked and registered with the MHRA
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ERC 2021 Guidelines provide updated clinical recommendations
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AEDs fall under PUWER regulations — you must provide information and training to anyone expected to use them
Total Cost of Ownership: What to Look For
Initial purchase cost is only one factor. Also consider:
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Pad and battery lifespan: Longer life reduces replacement frequency
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Warranty duration: Varies by manufacturer and distributor — always check T&Cs
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Replacement cost of consumables: Some units require replacing both pads and battery after use
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Maintenance and testing: Devices like the G5 perform more advanced self-tests, providing reassurance that the unit will work when needed - especially critical for emergency services and extreme environments
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Manufacturer recommendations: Some brands recommend a second battery or more frequent replacements
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Support: Consider post-sale servicing and access to authorised accessories
Leasing Options
AEDs can be leased with full service, training, and replacement coverage — reducing upfront cost and providing predictable budgeting. Leasing options typically include:
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Fixed monthly pricing
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Pads and battery replacement as needed
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Training sessions for staff
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Annual checks or exchange if device is used
Speak to an AED specialist to explore leasing options with full training, service, and consumable cover — or request a tailored quote for your site.
Glossary & FAQ
SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest): A life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating effectively.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator): A portable device that diagnoses and treats SCA via electric shock.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): A lifesaving technique involving chest compressions to maintain blood flow.
Impedance: Electrical resistance in the body. AEDs must deliver shocks effectively across a range of impedance levels.
PUWER: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations — governs employee training and equipment suitability.
MHRA: UK government agency overseeing medical device safety.
ERC Guidelines: European Resuscitation Council clinical guidelines for emergency cardiovascular care.
