Sudden cardiac arrest can happen in a busy office as easily as anywhere else. Survival drops by around 10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation, so an AED on site and ready to use is one of the simplest ways to protect your staff and visitors.

Do offices in Ireland need a defibrillator?

There is no single law forcing every office to have an AED. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, employers do have a general duty to manage risk and provide a safe place of work. A defibrillator is part of a sensible response to that duty, particularly in offices with a large headcount, shift work, or older staff. Many Irish employers now treat an AED as standard alongside the first aid box and fire equipment.

What to look for in an office AED

• Easy for anyone to use. Office staff are not medics. You want clear voice prompts and simple visual cues.
• Low maintenance. Self-checking units that test their own battery and pads save a lot of admin. Some report their status remotely so a facilities manager can check a fleet from one screen.
• Semi-automatic or fully automatic. Both are safe. Fully automatic suits sites where staff may be nervous about pressing the button.

Our recommended office defibrillators

• Philips HeartStart HS1. Light, simple and built for first-time rescuers. A popular first AED for small and medium offices.
• ZOLL AED Plus. Gives real-time CPR feedback, telling the rescuer whether they are pushing hard and fast enough.
• LIFEPAK CR2. A connected unit that self-monitors and can be managed remotely. Suited to larger offices running several devices.

Where to put your office AED

• A central, well-signed spot any member of staff can reach inside three minutes.
• Near reception, a main corridor or a lift lobby, not locked in a manager's office.
• Beside other safety equipment where people expect to find help.
• In an indoor wall cabinet, ideally with an alarm to deter tampering.

For multi-floor buildings, one AED per floor is the safe standard.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best defibrillator for an office in Ireland?

For most Irish offices the Philips HeartStart HS1 and the ZOLL AED Plus are the strongest choices. Larger offices often choose the LIFEPAK CR2 for its remote monitoring.

How much does an office AED cost in Ireland?

A workplace AED starts from around €900. Complete office packages cost a little more but cover everything in one purchase.

Is a defibrillator a legal requirement for Irish workplaces?

No specific law requires every office to have one, but providing an AED is widely seen as good practice, especially in larger workplaces.

Can untrained staff use an AED?

Yes. Modern AEDs guide the rescuer with prompts and only advise a shock when needed. Short training builds confidence.