Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) save lives when they are accessible within 3 minutes of a cardiac arrest.
The 3-minute rule
Place AEDs so that no point in your facility is more than a 90-second walk from a unit. High-traffic areas, gymnasiums, cafeterias, and main corridors are priority locations.
Visibility and signage
AED cabinets should be clearly marked with internationally recognized signage. Avoid hiding units behind locked doors unless staff have universal access.
Maintenance
Check battery and pad expiry monthly. Include AED checks in your facility's preventive maintenance schedule alongside medical equipment calibration.
Training
AEDs are designed for lay use, but confidence comes from practice. PML offers workplace AED deployment courses with hands-on simulation.