How to register your defibrillator
You could help save lives by registering your automated external defibrillator (AED) with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).
If your defibrillator is registered, we can tell someone who has called Triple Zero (000) for a suspected cardiac arrest, where the AED is at your business or property. This means they can access defibrillation before paramedics arrive.
Your AED location details will only notify us if the person is at your business or property. It won't generate an alert for calls from nearby businesses or properties.
Update or remove a registered AED
Using a defibrillator (AED)
Defibrillators can help save a person’s life when they’re in cardiac arrest.
For every minute someone in cardiac arrest is without CPR or defibrillation, their chance of survival decreases by 10%.
You don’t need any training or medical knowledge to use a defibrillator. When you turn it on, it gives audible and visual prompts you can follow.
Defibrillators can’t give an electric shock if the person has a normal heartbeat.
Learn more about:
- Defibrillators on the Healthdirect website
- CPR awareness
- First aid training.
Where to place your AED
AEDs should be placed where people can see them easily and get to them quickly. Good locations include:
- building entrances
- lobbies
- near reception or security desks
- near lifts
- main walkways or other busy areas.
In large buildings, the AED should be placed so it can be collected within three minutes from anywhere in the building. This may mean installing more than one AED on different floors or in busy or important areas. For outdoor areas, consider placing AEDs near:
- sports fields
- playgrounds
- gyms
- other busy areas.
The AED should also be suitable for the environment where it is installed. Check the device’s IP rating to make sure it can handle things like:
- dust
- water
- very hot or cold temperatures
- possible knocks or damage.
If vandalism or theft is a concern, place the AED in an area that is monitored, such as near a reception desk, security desk, or under CCTV.
Suggested AED sign placement
To help people find an AED quickly, put up clear signs showing where it is.
Inside a building
- Put a sign near the AED so people can easily see where it is.
- Put a sign outside the building, near an entrance, to show that an AED is available inside.
Outside a building
- Put a sign near the AED to show where it is.
In a vehicle
- Put a sign on the outside of the vehicle to show that an AED is inside.
For best visibility, place signs about 2 to 2.4 metres above the ground.
In large buildings, it can also help to put extra directional signs in busy areas, such as near lifts or main walkways, so people can find the AED faster.
We also recommend that signs include a message to call Triple Zero (000) if they think someone is having a cardiac arrest.
Installation guidelines
AEDs should be installed so they are easy to reach and ready to use in an emergency.
Inside or outside a building
- AEDs can be fixed to an internal or external wall, or kept in a permanent and easy-to-see place, such as behind a reception or security desk.
- It is recommended that AEDs be installed about 1.2 to 1.5 metres above the floor, so they are easy for people to access.
In vehicles
- AEDs can be securely attached to the vehicle or kept in a place inside the vehicle that is easy to reach.
- To make sure the AED can be reached quickly in an emergency, it should not be kept in a locked cabinet or container that needs a key or code.
If the AED is not fixed in place, it should always be returned to its usual location after use.