Public Access Defibrillators
A Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) designed for use by anyone in a cardiac emergency. These devices deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm and, when used alongside CPR, can dramatically increase a patient’s chance of survival. In Northern Ireland, as of September 2025, there are over 3,800 PADs registered on The Circuit – the national defibrillator network, making them accessible to the public in emergencies.
In the event of a cardiac emergency, call 999 immediately. The emergency medical dispatcher will guide you to the nearest available defibrillator and provide clear instructions on how to access it. A second person will then retrieve the defibrillator, which will be within a one-mile radius, allowing the first caller to stay with the patient and begin CPR without delay.
It is important to never take a PAD without notifying the ambulance service. It will not be recorded that the PAD has been taken, and someone may be directed to retrieve a device that is missing or unavailable, which could delay help for another person in need.
Research has consistently shown that early defibrillation significantly improves survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims. In the UK, survival rates remain critically low, with just 1 in 10 surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, when an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used during emergency first aid, the survival chances rise to 57.1%. This highlights the critical importance of PADs in saving lives during cardiac emergencies.
What is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that is used in the treatment ofsudden cardiac arrest. It analyses the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electric shock to briefly stop the heart in an attempt to restore a normal heartbeat. When used alongside CPR, AEDs significantly improve survival rates. Research shows that early defibrillation can double or triple the chances of survival, especially if administered within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest (Resuscitation Council UK, 2023).
Registering Your AED
To ensure an AED can have the greatest impact in an emergency, it should be registered with The Circuit, www.thecircuit.uk.
This enables the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to direct members of the public to the device when needed. Registration guarantees that emergency medical dispatchers can quickly guide bystanders to your AED, helping to provide life-saving assistance as fast as possible. When registering, you should provide:
- The exact location and address of the AED (What Three Words)
- Brand, model, and serial number
- Accessibility times (24/7 preferred)
- Pads expiry date
- Confirmation that the AED is ’emergency ready’
- Access code for secure cabinets
Only devices in a fixed location should be registered. Mobile or personal business devices should not be included. You should ONLY register your AED if you wish for it to be used by the public.
Finding Your Nearest AED
There are more than 3800 AEDs registered within Northern Ireland. To check the location of nearby AEDs, check www.defibfinder.uk, a national map of all registered devices. This is for reference only, always call 999 before removing any AED.
Ambulance Stations, Fire Stations and local supermarkets are just some of the community buildings that have AEDs located for public access use.
Evidence Supporting AED Use
Research consistently demonstrates that rapid access to an AED improves survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest:
- Early defibrillation can increase survival to hospital discharge from around 10% to over 30% in some studies.
- Every minute delay in defibrillation reduces survival chances by approximately 7–10% (Resuscitation Council UK, 2023).
- Public access AEDs combined with CPR training significantly improve neurological outcomes for survivors (Cochrane Review, 2022).
Importance of AED Accessibility
AED accessibility is critical in saving lives. Studies in the UK have highlighted that public access AEDs are often underused. For example, in the East of England, AEDs were available within 500 meters of 79% of cardiac arrest cases but were only used in 10% of incidents (British Heart Foundation, 2023). This demonstrates the need for better public awareness and registration of AEDs.
Why AEDs Are Stored in Cabinets
AEDs stored in visible, secure cabinets are accessible 24/7 and protected from weather and vandalism. Cabinets often use bright colours like yellow or green and are placed in public areas to ensure quick access during an emergency. Staff in Emergency Operations Centres can direct 999 callers to the nearest registered AED and provide access codes for secure cabinets if required.
Learn a Lifesaving Skill!
Knowing how to use an AED and perform CPR are vital life skills that can make a real difference in an emergency. Early intervention dramatically increases a patient’s chances of survival.
If you would like to learn how to use an AED or develop your CPR skills, you can contact the NIAS Community Resuscitation Team at resus.admin@nias.hscni.net or by phone at 028 9040 5215 for more information and available training sessions.