You don’t plan for a cardiac emergency. But you can prepare for one.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike anyone, anywhere, without warning. And in those first few chaotic moments, the most powerful tool isn’t a hospital or a paramedic, it’s a nearby automated external defibrillator (AED) and someone willing to act.
That’s why an AED is needed. They aren’t just medical equipment; they’re a lifeline. Easy to use, designed for non-medical responders, and proven to save lives, AEDs belong in homes, schools, and workplaces across Canada.
Because the more accessible they are, the more lives we can protect.
This article was updated and republished on June 17th, 2025.
Why Are AEDs Important?
If you’ve ever wondered why an AED is needed, it’s because sudden cardiac arrest often strikes without warning and far from a hospital. In those moments, an AED can restart the heart and restore a normal rhythm before it’s too late.
Let’s take a closer look at why AEDs matter so much and why having one nearby can make all the difference.
SCA Can Happen Anywhere
SCA is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, responsible for about half of all deaths from cardiovascular disease.[1] It often strikes without warning, and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t just affect people with known heart conditions. Children, athletes, and healthy adults can all be at risk.
The critical detail? Every minute without defibrillation reduces a person’s chance of survival by about 10%. That’s why immediate access to an AED is so important; because every second counts, and you often don’t have time to wait for emergency responders.
AEDs Significantly Improve Survival Rates
When used within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest, an AED can dramatically improve the chances of survival. In fact, early defibrillation within 3–5 minutes of collapse can increase survival rates to 50–70%, while delays can result in survival rates falling below 10%.
Having an AED on-site means you're not relying solely on emergency services and you're ready to act when every moment matters.
AEDs Are Easy to Use
AEDs are made for real-world emergencies, not just trained professionals. Most units are fully automated, with voice prompts and visual instructions that guide users through every step. You don’t need medical training, just the willingness to step in and help.
The device assesses the heart’s rhythm and will only deliver a shock if it’s needed, meaning there are no dangers involved in using a defibrillator. This makes AEDs safe, intuitive, and highly effective in urgent situations.
AEDs Are Crucial Support Before Emergency Services Arrive
In many areas, EMS response times can range from several minutes to over 15, especially in rural communities or densely populated regions. That’s a long time to wait during a cardiac emergency.
An on-site AED buys critical time. It helps stabilize the person until professionals arrive, significantly increasing the odds of survival and reducing the risk of long-term damage.
AEDs Promote a Culture of Preparedness
AEDs are more than just devices; they're a symbol of safety. Whether in a school, workplace, gym, or airport, their presence shows that health and preparedness are a priority.
Installing an AED is part of a broader emergency response plan. It sends a clear message: here, we’re ready to protect our people.
Where Do We Need AEDs?
When it comes to SCA, some environments carry higher risk and demand faster response times. And understanding why an AED is needed in each of these settings can help organizations make more informed safety decisions.
Here are just a few industries that can greatly benefit from having an AED:
Each of these settings presents unique challenges. AEDs help meet them with speed, simplicity, and lifesaving power.
When Should An AED Be Used?
Use an AED right away if someone shows signs of sudden cardiac arrest. This is typically a sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, and abnormal or no breathing. These are clear warning signs that immediate action is needed.
That’s why AEDs are installed in busy areas and should be within a three-minute round-trip walk in most public settings. When seconds count, fast access can make all the difference.
If you witness someone collapse, follow the emergency steps of using an AED: call for help, start CPR, and retrieve the nearest AED. The device will walk you through what to do and only deliver a shock if one is required.
Why Every Home, School, and Workplace Needs an AED
AEDs are for everyday spaces where people live, work, and gather. If you’re considering an AED for your home, school, or workplace, the decision is simple: it’s an investment in safety.
At AED Advantage, we make the process straightforward from selecting the right device to ensure you’re supported long after the purchase. Our team is here to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to respond when it matters most.
Contact us today to help you find the right AED for your needs. Or, if you're hoping to secure a free AED in Canada, our AED donation request program may be able to help.
References
[1] Chugh, S. S., Havmoeller, R., Narayanan, K., Singh, D., Rienstra, M., Benjamin, E. J., Gillum, R. F., Kim, Y.-H., McAnulty, J. H., Zheng, Z.-J., Forouzanfar, M. H., Naghavi, M., Mensah, G. A., Ezzati, M., & Murray, C. J. L. (2014). Worldwide epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: A Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study. Heart, Lung and Circulation, 23(9), 777–783. https://www.heartlungcirc.org/article/S1443-9506(18)31905-X/fulltext
