AED Placement: Choosing the Best Location

Now that your facility has an AED, the next important step is deciding where to place it. AED site selection is a frequent question, and cpr-savers.com has compiled key factors to help you make an informed decision.

Essential AED Placement Considerations

• AEDs should be centrally located in high-risk areas and where people gather the most.
• Visibility is key. An AED won’t be used if people don’t know it exists.
• AEDs should never be locked away in a drawer. If it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind, and regular inspections may be overlooked.
• AED cabinets improve visibility and help deter theft. Alarmed cabinets provide extra security.
• The AED should be near a phone to allow immediate 911 calls.
• Placement should ensure access within 3 minutes from anywhere in the facility. This means no more than 1.5 minutes to the AED and 1.5 minutes back at a brisk walking pace.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets placement guidelines. Objects should not protrude more than 4 inches into walkways unless their bottom edge is 27 inches or lower from the ground.

Key Questions to Ask When Deciding on AED Placement

1. What is the most central location in the facility? Ensuring quick access is crucial.
2. Where do people gather the most? In schools, the gym is often a high-traffic area.
3. Are there high-risk areas? Gyms, running tracks, and electrical rooms may need an AED nearby.
4. Where are trained rescuers located? Placing an AED near them ensures a faster response time.
5. Is there an area that is always staffed? Security desks or reception areas may be good placement options.
6. How secure is the facility? Accessibility should not be compromised for security.
7. Are there areas locked after normal hours? If so, those locations may not be ideal.
8. Where is the nearest phone? Having an AED near a phone helps facilitate emergency calls.
9. Will the AED be stored in a cabinet? If so, will it be alarmed for security and visibility?
10. What is your facility’s communication system? (Two-way radios, intercoms, phones) Fast communication is critical in an emergency.

Special Considerations for Schools

• Gyms are high-risk areas with large crowds during and after school hours.
• Main offices are usually well-staffed, making them a practical AED location.
• Locked areas may not be ideal locations. Limited accessibility can delay response time.
• Security concerns shouldn’t compromise accessibility. AEDs should be easy to access rather than locked away.
• Look for areas with surveillance cameras to enhance security and deter tampering.
• Alarmed cabinets help prevent misuse. They notify staff when the AED is accessed.

Final Thoughts

Accessibility and awareness should guide your AED placement decision. Engage multiple stakeholders, including your medical director, to choose the best location. Educating staff and the public on what an AED does, where to find it, and why it’s important can help ensure readiness in an emergency. The American Heart Association provides valuable guidance on AED placement.

This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Always use good judgment when selecting an AED location and consult with your medical director for further recommendations.