Why Every School Should Have a Defibrillator (AED) – And How to Manage It Properly

When it comes to protecting the health and safety of students, staff, and visitors, schools must be prepared for every type of emergency – including sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), commonly referred to as a defib, on school grounds is a simple but critical step in saving lives.

Why Defibrillators Are Essential in Schools

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time – regardless of age, fitness, or medical history. While it’s more common in older adults, cases involving young people, including those with undiagnosed heart conditions, do occur.

An AED is a life-saving device that delivers an electric shock to help the heart return to a normal rhythm during cardiac arrest. When used within the first few minutes, survival rates can increase by up to 70%. Without early defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by 10% every minute.

Given the size of many school campuses and the number of students and staff present daily, having quick and easy access to a defib can truly be the difference between life and death.

Where Should a Defib Be Located in a School?

In Victoria, there are currently no legal mandates requiring all schools to have a defib. However, both WorkSafe Victoria and The Department of Education and Training strongly encourage schools to install and maintain AEDs as part of their health and safety policies.

Best practice is to:

Place the defib in a central, accessible location – such as the school office, staffroom, gym, or near the first aid room.
Ensure it is clearly signed and not locked away.
Avoid placing it behind multiple doors or inside cupboards that may be locked after hours.
Consider having multiple units in large or multi-building campuses, especially where sports or high-risk activities occur.

💡 Tip: AEDs should be accessible within 3 minutes of any location on campus.

How Often Should a Defib Be Checked?

While most AEDs conduct internal self-checks, this doesn’t eliminate the need for regular manual inspections.

At AB First Aid, we recommend – and follow – the Department of Education’s guidelines and manufacturer recommendations:

Visual inspection: Monthly
- Check battery level indicators
- Ensure pads are in date and sealed
- Confirm the device is clean, intact, and has not been tampered with
- Make sure signage is visible and location is known
Full check & log/report: Annually
- Conducted by a trained first aid provider or health and safety officer
- Battery and pad expiry dates documented
- Replace expired or near-expiry components
- Ensure the AED is registered with Ambulance Victoria’s GoodSAM network (if applicable)

“Just like a fire extinguisher, a defib only helps if it’s ready to go in an emergency. That means checking it regularly, knowing where it is, and making sure everyone feels confident using it.”

Victorian Guidelines and Recommendations

Department of Education and Training Victoria: School Policy Advisory Guide – First Aid
WorkSafe Victoria: First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice
Ambulance Victoria: Registering your AED with GoodSAM

We Make It Easy for Schools

At AB First Aid, we offer FREE AED inspections for our partnered schools as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping your staff and students safe.

Thorough defib check and report
Reminders for pad/battery expiry
Optional restock of First Aid kits
Training staff in CPR and AED use
Easy booking for ongoing support