St Andrews First Aid is a charity. All purchases made go toward saving lives with first aid training, education, and support.
In 2025, workplace safety remains a top priority for employers across the UK. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike without warning, and having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site can mean the difference between life and death. With a variety of AEDs available, choosing the right one for your workplace involves balancing ease of use, durability, and cost-effectiveness—especially in busy office environments where staff may lack formal medical training. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best defibrillators for workplaces, focusing on top models like the Mediana A15 HeartOn AED and Powerheart G5 Fully Automatic, while exploring why fully automatic AEDs are ideal for untrained users, key maintenance features, and UK legal considerations.
Ready to safeguard your team? Explore our whole range of AED’s today.
Why Your Workplace Needs an AED
Sudden cardiac arrest claims millions of lives globally each year, often striking without warning. In the UK, where over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually, quick access to an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70% if used within the first few minutes. For workplaces—whether offices, factories, or retail spaces—an AED isn’t just a safety tool; it’s a critical investment in employee well-being and legal preparedness.
Top AED Picks for Workplaces in 2025
1. Mediana A15 HeartOn AED – Best Budget-Friendly Option
- Price: £845.00 (excl. VAT) / £1,014.00 (incl. VAT)
- Why It’s Great for Workplaces: The Mediana A15 HeartOn AED is a cost-effective choice that doesn’t skimp on features. Designed for minimal training, it offers clear voice and visual prompts, making it accessible for any employee to use in an emergency. Its standout feature is the one-switch adult/child setting—no need to swap pads, which saves precious time in mixed-age environments like offices with visitors or clients’ children present.
- Durability: With an IP54 rating, it’s resistant to dust and water splashes, suitable for typical office settings or light industrial areas.
- Maintenance: Automatically switches on when the lid opens and performs self-tests, ensuring it’s always ready.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Low lifetime costs with a disposable battery built into the handle and pads that work for both adults and children.
Best For: Small to medium-sized offices looking for an affordable, user-friendly AED.
2. Powerheart G5 Fully Automatic Defibrillator – Best for Rugged Reliability
- Price: £1,271.00 (excl. VAT) / £1,525.20 (incl. VAT)
- Why It’s Great for Workplaces: The Powerheart G5 Fully Automatic AED is built for high-stress environments. Its fully automatic operation delivers a shock without requiring the user to press a button—ideal for untrained staff in busy offices where hesitation could cost lives. It also features Intellisense CPR (ICPR) technology, providing real-time feedback on chest compression quality, ensuring effective CPR even from novices.
- Durability: Boasting an IP55 rating and tested to military standards, it withstands extreme temperatures, vibrations, and drops (1.22m), making it perfect for tougher workplace settings like warehouses or construction-adjacent offices.
- Maintenance: Daily, weekly, and monthly self-tests with a Rescue Ready® indicator keep it operational with minimal upkeep.
- Extras: A 4-year battery life and 2-year pad shelf life reduce replacement costs over time.
Best For: Larger workplaces or those needing a rugged, foolproof AED with CPR guidance.
3. ZOLL AED Plus Semi-Automatic – Best for Maintenance and Readiness
- Price: £1,222.00 (excl. VAT) / £1,466.40 (incl. VAT)
- Why It’s Great for Workplaces: While semi-automatic (requiring a button press to deliver a shock), the ZOLL AED Plus shines with its Real CPR Help® technology, offering real-time feedback on compression rate and depth. This is a game-changer for staff with little training, ensuring high-quality CPR.
- Durability: An IP55 rating and rugged design handle extreme conditions, fitting well in diverse office setups.
- Maintenance: Automatic self-testing ensures constant readiness, with a visible status indicator to alert users if attention is needed. The 5-year battery and pad life further reduce maintenance hassles.
- Versatility: One-piece CPR-D-padz electrodes simplify placement, and optional pediatric pads make it adaptable for all ages.
Best For: Workplaces prioritising long-term reliability and minimal maintenance.
Why Fully Automatic AEDs Are Ideal for Busy Offices
In a busy office, not every employee will have first-aid training. Fully automatic AEDs—like the Powerheart G5 or HeartSine Samaritan PAD 360P—eliminate the need for users to decide when to press a shock button. Once pads are applied, the device analyses the heart rhythm and delivers a shock if needed, all without extra steps. This hands-off approach reduces user error and boosts confidence, making it perfect for workplaces where quick, decisive action is critical..
Maintenance Features That Ensure Readiness
Workplace AEDs must be ready at a moment’s notice. Devices with self-testing capabilities—like the ZOLL AED Plus, Powerheart G5, and Mediana A15—perform regular checks on battery, pads, and functionality, alerting users to issues. The ZOLL AED Plus, for instance, uses a clear status indicator, while the Powerheart G5’s Rescue Ready® light provides instant reassurance. These features minimise downtime and ensure compliance with safety standards, giving employers peace of mind.
Legal Requirements for Workplace AEDs in the UK
While UK law doesn’t currently mandate AEDs in workplaces under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers have a duty of care to assess risks and provide adequate first-aid provisions. The Resuscitation Council UK and British Heart Foundation strongly recommend AEDs in high-traffic or high-risk workplaces, such as those with older staff, large teams, or remote locations. Post-COVID, many businesses have voluntarily adopted AEDs to enhance safety, and some insurance providers may offer incentives for doing so. Always check with your Health and Safety Executive (HSE) risk assessment to determine if an AED aligns with your workplace needs.
Choosing the Right AED for Your Office
When selecting the best defibrillator for your workplace, consider:
- Ease of Use: Opt for models with clear prompts and automatic features (e.g., Mediana A15, Powerheart G5).
- Durability: Ensure the IP rating suits your environment—IP54 or higher for dust and water resistance.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Balance upfront costs with long-term savings on batteries and pads.
- Training Needs: Fully automatic AEDs reduce the need for extensive staff training.
For a small office on a budget, the Mediana A15 HeartOn AED offers unbeatable value and simplicity. For larger or more demanding settings, the Powerheart G5 Fully Automatic provides durability and advanced CPR support. Whatever your choice, an AED is a vital step toward a safer workplace in 2025.
Ready to safeguard your team? Explore our whole range of AED’s today.