Every year in Ireland, approximately 5,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Of these cases, almost 3,000 involve emergency medical services attempting resuscitation outside of hospital settings, yet the national survival rate remains around just 6–7%. For employers, these statistics underline a critical truth: having a defibrillator (AED) accessible in your workplace could be the difference between life and death.

What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing it to stop beating effectively. Unlike a heart attack, which is a circulation problem, SCA is an electrical problem that can strike anyone, at any age, without warning. The heart enters an abnormal rhythm called ventricular fibrillation, and without immediate treatment, death can occur within minutes.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that analyses the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat. Modern AEDs are designed to be used by anyone, regardless of medical training, with clear voice prompts guiding the user through every step.

Is It a Legal Requirement to Have an AED in Your Workplace in Ireland?

Currently, there is no specific legal mandate requiring Irish employers to install a defibrillator. However, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) strongly recommends that workplaces consider having an AED on-site, particularly where a first aid responder is present. The HSA’s Guidelines on First Aid at Places of Work states that it is good practice for companies to invest in AEDs. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 require employers to conduct a risk assessment and provide appropriate first aid equipment based on that assessment.

Practically speaking, for workplaces with higher risk factors — such as large staff numbers, older employees, physically demanding work, or remote locations with longer ambulance response times — having an AED is not just best practice, it’s a moral imperative. Browse our complete range of AED defibrillators to find the right unit for your workplace.

Why Every Irish Workplace Should Have a Defibrillator

Research consistently shows that every minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by approximately 10%. When an AED is used within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, survival rates can reach 50–70%. Considering that the average ambulance response time in Ireland can be considerably longer in rural areas, having an AED on-site dramatically improves outcomes.

Ireland’s own Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Register (OHCAR) data shows that bystander defibrillation makes a significant difference: of the 282 patients defibrillated by members of the public in 2022, 87 survived — a survival rate of 31%. This is substantially higher than the overall national survival rate of 7.3%. These figures make a powerful case for workplace AED provision.

How to Choose the Right AED for Your Workplace

When selecting a defibrillator for your workplace, consider factors such as the size of your premises, the number of employees, and the environment. For indoor offices and workplaces, models like the Primedic myPAD Core or the ZOLL AED 3 are popular choices due to their intuitive design and clear voice guidance. For larger premises where multiple units may be needed, AED rental packages starting from just €1 per day offer a cost-effective alternative to outright purchase.

Don’t forget about proper AED storage. Wall-mounted cabinets, both indoor and outdoor, ensure your defibrillator is visible, protected, and accessible within those critical first minutes. You’ll also need to plan for ongoing AED maintenance to ensure your device is always ready for use, including regular checks on battery life and electrode pad expiry dates.

Setting Up a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan

Simply purchasing an AED is not enough. A comprehensive cardiac emergency response plan should include designated first aid responders, staff awareness of AED locations, regular CPR and AED training, and documented maintenance schedules. Heartsafety Solutions’ consulting services can help ensure your organisation has the correct information, instruction, and training in place.

Trusted by Ryanair, Dunnes Stores, Tesco, the GAA, the FAI, the HSE, and many more, Heartsafety Solutions has deployed over 10,000 AED units across Ireland and trained 12,500 people every year. Contact us today to discuss the right AED solution for your workplace.