October is both Shocktober (Call Push Shock) — a national campaign promoting cardiac arrest awareness — and National Work Safety Month, making it the perfect time to talk about workplace defibrillators. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are simple, portable, and life-saving devices that can make the difference between survival and tragedy in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.
Why Every Workplace Should Have an AED
Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, and at any time — even in a low-risk office environment. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces a person’s chance of survival by about 10%. Installing an AED ensures immediate access to life-saving equipment while waiting for emergency services to arrive. According to WorkSafe Victoria, having an AED available at work is a “reasonably practicable” measure to manage the risk of cardiac arrest. It complements your first aid setup, acting as an additional layer of protection rather than a replacement for first aid kits or trained responders.
Despite clear benefits, many workplaces still don’t have one. A WorkSafe Victoria campaign in 2019 reported that while around 19,000 AEDs were installed across Victoria, thousands of businesses remained without access to one. That same year, Ambulance Victoria attended more than 6,400 cardiac arrests — and in many of those cases, quick access to a nearby defibrillator made all the difference.
Installing an AED also demonstrates that your business takes employee wellbeing seriously. It builds confidence among staff, contractors, and visitors, reassuring everyone that the workplace is prepared for emergencies. Once installed, it’s best practice to register your AED’s location with Ambulance Victoria so emergency services can direct bystanders to it immediately when needed.
What Australian Guidelines Say
The Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (2019) outlines how businesses should provide adequate first aid facilities, training, and equipment. While AEDs aren’t legally required in all workplaces, they are strongly recommended where there’s a higher risk of cardiac arrest or delayed ambulance response times.
The Code emphasises a risk-based approach — considering factors like workplace size, layout, the nature of the work, and how long it would take to reach medical assistance. Similarly, the WorkSafe Victoria Compliance Code for First Aid in the Workplace encourages employers to assess their workplace and determine if an AED would be a reasonably practicable control measure. Although codes of practice aren’t legislation, they are admissible in court and used by regulators to assess whether an employer has taken appropriate steps to manage health and safety risks.
In short, while having an AED may not be a strict legal obligation, it is widely recognised as best practice under Australian workplace safety frameworks.
Where to Place an AED
An AED is only effective if people can find and reach it within seconds. WorkSafe Victoria recommends placing AEDs in highly visible, accessible areas where they can be retrieved quickly — ideally within one to two minutes from anywhere in the workplace. Avoid locked rooms or cabinets that require keys, and ensure that signage clearly points to its location.
AEDs should be placed near high-traffic areas like entrances, corridors, cafeterias, or near work zones where physical activity is common. If your business operates across multiple floors or large areas, consider having more than one device. For outdoor or remote sites, weather-proof cabinets can keep units safe while remaining accessible. Positioning an AED near your first aid room or safety station is also ideal, as staff are already trained to respond from those locations.
Visibility and awareness are crucial — all staff should know where the AED is located and how to use it. Including AED awareness in new employee inductions and safety briefings ensures no one hesitates during an emergency.
Please see this DRSABCD action plan, ready for download. This includes all the information about AED signages and the store.
Integrating AEDs Into Your Emergency Plan
To make AEDs part of your emergency preparedness, start with a simple risk assessment. Identify potential response delays, the physical layout of your workplace, and the demographics of your staff. Choose a reliable AED model that’s user-friendly — most modern devices include voice prompts and visual instructions, allowing even untrained bystanders to act confidently.
Include AED use in your first aid and CPR training so staff are familiar with the process. Run regular drills, check batteries and pads for expiry, and assign a responsible person to conduct routine inspections. Communication is key — share AED locations on workplace maps, internal notices, and induction programs.
If the AED is ever used, hold a debrief afterward to review what went well and identify improvements. This reinforces preparedness and ensures continuous improvement of your safety systems.
Shocktober and National Work Safety Month: The Perfect Time to Act
Because October marks both Shocktober (Call Push Shock) and National Work Safety Month, there’s no better time to prioritise life-saving equipment and training in your workplace. Use this opportunity to review your safety plan, promote staff awareness, and take proactive steps toward a safer environment.
By investing in AEDs and first aid readiness now, you’re not just complying with workplace safety expectations — you’re protecting your team and demonstrating true leadership in health and safety.
We Provide Onsite First Aid Training and AEDs
If your workplace is planning to install an AED or strengthen its emergency response plan, we can help. Our onsite first aid training equips your team with the confidence and skills to respond effectively in critical situations.
We offer a full range of nationally recognised courses, including:
In addition to training, we also supply workplace-ready Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) — compact, reliable units designed for rapid response during cardiac emergencies. Whether you need a single device or a full workplace setup, our team can help you select the right AEDs and ensure they’re properly placed, maintained, and registered.
Equip your workplace for the unexpected — with the right training, equipment, and support, every second truly counts.
Sources:
Safe Work Australia. (2019, July). Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/code_of_practice_-_first_aid_in_the_workplace_July%202019.pdf
WorkSafe Victoria. (n.d.). Use of automated external defibrillator (AED) in the workplace. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/use-automated-external-defibrillator-aed-workplace
WorkSafe Victoria. (2019, July 9). Call for more life-saving defibrillators in the workplace. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2019-07/call-more-life-saving-defibrillators-workplace
Emergency First Aid Pty Ltd. (n.d.). Workplace first aid training. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://emergency.com.au/workplace-first-aid-training/
Emergency First Aid Pty Ltd. (n.d.). HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://emergency.com.au/our-courses/first-aid-courses/hltaid009-cpr/
Emergency First Aid Pty Ltd. (n.d.). HLTAID012 – Provide an Emergency First Aid Response in an Education and Care Setting. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://emergency.com.au/our-courses/first-aid-courses/hltaid012-provide-an-emergency-first-aid-response-in-an-education-and-care-setting/
Emergency First Aid Pty Ltd. (n.d.). 22556VIC – Course in Asthma Management. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://emergency.com.au/our-courses/22556vic-course-in-asthma-management/
Emergency First Aid Pty Ltd. (n.d.). Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://emergency.com.au/product-category/aed/