Lifesaving Devices Becoming More Accessible Across the UK and Ireland

Efforts to increase the availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and enhance public awareness are showing promising signs in improving cardiac arrest survival rates across the UK and Ireland. With thousands of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring annually, timely intervention with an AED is crucial, as every minute without defibrillation can reduce the chance of survival by up to 10%.

Both governments and charitable organisations are actively working to place more AEDs in public spaces and encourage their use by bystanders, even those without formal training. The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) strongly advocates for widespread AED installation and public accessibility, emphasising that these devices are designed for use by anyone, regardless of prior training.

UK Initiatives: Funding, Education, and the National Defibrillator Network

Government Funding and School Programmes

The UK government has made significant strides in increasing defibrillator access. In December 2022, a £1 million fund was announced to provide an estimated 1,000 new defibrillators in communities across England, with an additional £500,000 allocated in August 2024 to fulfil existing applications.

Furthermore, the Department for Education confirmed in June 2025 that its defibrillator programme had successfully provided over 20,000 devices to schools across England. The RCUK recommends that these school-based AEDs be made accessible to the public 24/7, ideally positioned on school gates to benefit the wider community.

The Circuit: Mapping Lifesaving Devices

A key tool in the UK's strategy is 'The Circuit', the national defibrillator network developed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), NHS, Resuscitation Council UK, and the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives. This database maps the location of defibrillators across the UK, allowing emergency services to direct bystanders to the nearest device during a 999 call.

As of July 2025, over 110,000 defibrillators were registered on The Circuit, with 58.6% reported as being accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, despite this progress, research from June 2023 indicated that public access defibrillators were used in only about 10% of cardiac arrests where they were available. This highlights the ongoing need for increased public education and confidence in using these devices. The BHF continues to offer funding programmes, prioritising deprived areas with limited access to defibrillators.

Ireland's Progress: Increasing Survival and Community Engagement

Rising Survival Rates and Bystander Action

Ireland has also seen positive developments in cardiac arrest survival. The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) reported in October 2024 that out of 2,857 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests where resuscitation was attempted in 2023, 240 individuals (8.4%) survived to leave hospital alive. This represents a 1% rise in survival rates, translating to an extra 34 lives saved.

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Bystander CPR played a significant role, with attempts made in 85% of cardiac arrests not witnessed by emergency medical services. A study published in May 2024 further indicated that survival rates are increasing by 14% year on year, with the highest survival among patients who received defibrillation from bystanders.

AED Accessibility and Legal Framework

While there is no legal requirement for businesses in Ireland to have an AED, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) advises that it is good practice, especially where a first aid responder is present. Thousands of AEDs have been placed across Ireland, often in areas with large populations, but also in smaller communities. The National Ambulance Service encourages communities to establish Public Access Defibrillation Schemes (PADS) by registering their AEDs, enabling 999 callers to be directed to the nearest device.

The Civil Liability Act 2011 in Ireland protects those who assist in emergencies, reassuring individuals who might hesitate to use an AED. The Dublin Airport's CPR and AED programme, introduced in 2003, has saved 32 lives, demonstrating the impact of accessible AEDs in high-traffic areas.

Both the UK and Ireland are committed to increasing cardiac arrest survival rates through enhanced AED accessibility, public awareness campaigns, and robust national networks. These efforts underscore the critical importance of immediate action and the availability of lifesaving equipment in our communities.

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