AED Placement Guidelines: Where to Install Defibrillators for Maximum Impact
Michael Chen, EMS Director
November 3, 20257 min read
AED Placement Guidelines
Strategic placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can mean the difference between life and death during a cardiac emergency. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about optimal AED placement.
Why Placement Matters
Time is the most critical factor in sudden cardiac arrest survival. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, survival rates drop by 7-10%. Proper AED placement ensures that anyone can retrieve a device and begin treatment within 3-5 minutes of collapse.
The 3-Minute Rule
The American Heart Association recommends that AEDs be positioned so that anyone can:
**Recognize** a cardiac emergency
**Retrieve** the nearest AED
**Return** to the victim
All within 3 minutes or less.
High-Priority Locations
Public Facilities
AEDs should be installed in areas with high foot traffic and increased cardiac arrest risk:
Airports and transportation hubs: High stress, large crowds
Medical offices: Waiting rooms and treatment areas
Dental offices: Procedures can trigger cardiac events
Outpatient clinics: High-risk patient populations
Rehabilitation centers: Physical therapy areas
Placement Considerations
Visibility and Accessibility
*Visibility Requirements:*
Install in well-lit, easily identifiable locations
Use clear signage with the universal AED symbol
Ensure signage is visible from multiple angles
Consider ceiling-mounted signs for better visibility
*Accessibility Standards:*
Mount at eye level (4-5 feet from ground)
Ensure ADA compliance for wheelchair access
Keep pathways clear and unobstructed
Install in temperature-controlled environments (32°F to 122°F)
Environmental Factors
*Temperature Control:*
Avoid extreme heat or cold
Don't place in direct sunlight
Keep away from heating/cooling vents
Monitor storage cabinet temperatures
*Protection from Elements:*
Use weatherproof cabinets for outdoor placement
Protect from moisture and humidity
Shield from dust and debris
Consider climate-controlled cabinets for harsh environments
Security Considerations
*Cabinet Options:*
Unlocked cabinets for immediate access
Alarmed cabinets to deter theft and alert staff
Locked cabinets for high-theft areas (provide quick-access codes)
Glass-front cabinets for visibility
*Monitoring:*
Regular visual inspections
Automated monitoring systems
Maintenance logs and checklists
Replacement part inventory
Multi-Floor Buildings
For buildings with multiple floors:
*Vertical Coverage:*
Install at least one AED per floor
Place near stairwells and elevators
Consider two AEDs per floor in large buildings
Ensure basement and parking garage coverage
*Horizontal Distribution:*
Maximum 3-minute retrieval time
Multiple units for buildings over 50,000 sq ft
Strategic placement at building extremes
Consider walking distances and obstacles
Specific Venue Guidelines
Sports Facilities
Main gym: Visible from playing area
Weight rooms: High-exertion zones
Swimming pools: Waterside placement (in waterproof cabinet)
Locker rooms: Central location
Spectator areas: Easy access for crowds
Office Buildings
Reception area: First point of contact
Break rooms: Common gathering spaces
Conference rooms: Large meeting areas
Fitness centers: High-risk areas
Each floor: Near elevators or main corridors
Retail Spaces
Customer service desks: Centrally located
Food courts: High-traffic areas
Restroom corridors: Accessible locations
Loading docks: Employee areas
Parking structures: Each level
Coverage Calculation
To determine the number of AEDs needed:
1. **Measure total square footage**
2. **Calculate walking time** to furthest point
3. **Identify high-risk areas** requiring dedicated units
4. **Account for obstacles** (locked doors, stairs)
5. **Consider peak occupancy** times and locations
Formula
Number of AEDs = (Total Area ÷ Coverage Area per AED) + High-Risk Zones
Coverage Area per AED: Approximately 10,000-15,000 sq ft for single-floor facilities
Signage and Wayfinding
Required Signage
AED location signs: International symbol
Directional signs: Pointing to nearest AED
Floor plan indicators: Building maps showing AED locations
Illuminated signs: For low-light conditions
Signage Placement
Mount at eye level (6-7 feet)
Install at decision points (hallway intersections)
Use consistent colors (green and white standard)
Include distance/direction information
Maintenance Access
Ensure AED locations allow for:
Regular inspections: Weekly visual checks
Battery replacement: Every 4-5 years
Pad replacement: Every 2 years or after use
Software updates: As needed
Cleaning and testing: Monthly
Legal Considerations
Regulatory Compliance
FDA registration: Ensure device compliance
State regulations: Vary by jurisdiction
ADA requirements: Accessibility standards
Building codes: Installation specifications
Good Samaritan laws: Liability protection
Documentation
Installation records: Date, location, serial numbers
Maintenance logs: Inspections and replacements
Training records: Staff certifications
Incident reports: Device usage documentation
Best Practices Checklist
✓ Conduct risk assessment of facility
✓ Map current and proposed AED locations
✓ Verify 3-minute accessibility from all areas
✓ Install appropriate signage
✓ Train staff on AED locations and use
✓ Establish maintenance schedule
✓ Register AEDs with emergency services
✓ Review and update placement annually
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Placing AEDs in locked offices
Installing in areas with temperature extremes
Inadequate signage
Forgetting about outdoor areas
Not considering building expansion
Overlooking parking structures
Failing to coordinate with emergency services
Integration with Emergency Response
Emergency Services Coordination
Register AED locations with local 911 dispatch
Provide building floor plans with AED markers
Include AED information in emergency action plans
Conduct joint drills with emergency responders
Staff Training
Train multiple staff members per shift
Conduct quarterly refresher training
Practice AED retrieval drills
Integrate with fire drill procedures
Conclusion
Proper AED placement is a critical component of emergency preparedness. By following these guidelines and regularly reviewing your AED program, you can ensure that life-saving treatment is always within reach when needed most.
Remember: The best AED is one that can be retrieved and applied within 3 minutes of cardiac arrest. Strategic placement, clear signage, and regular maintenance are key to an effective AED program.
Need help planning your AED placement? Contact our team for a free site assessment and consultation.
Interested in our AED Solutions?
Contact our team to learn more about the i7/i9 series and request a demonstration.
