Would Your Defibrillator Be Ready When It Counts?

When a student collapsed during PE, the school’s premises manager ran for the new defibrillator. Three minutes later, that same device saved his son’s life.

It’s a true story shared in the Department for Education’s latest AED guidance — and it captures the real meaning of the statutory test.

Having a defibrillator on-site isn’t enough. The test is whether it’s ready, accessible, and known — because in those first few minutes, readiness saves lives.

From provision to preparedness

Every state-funded school in England now has at least one automated external defibrillator (AED). The national rollout has delivered more than 20,000 units across 17,800 schools.

But the statutory expectation goes further than ownership.

Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), AEDs are classed as work equipment. That means governing bodies and academy trusts have a legal duty to ensure:

• Staff receive appropriate training and instruction
• Checks, maintenance, and accessibility are documented
• The AED is built into the school’s risk assessment

“The statutory test isn’t just about having one — it’s whether you could use it right now.”

The statutory test in practice

• Presence - A functioning AED is installed on every site.
• Accessibility - It can be reached within two minutes of high-risk areas such as sports halls, playgrounds or receptions.
• Registration - The device is logged on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network used by ambulance services.
• Maintenance - Weekly visual checks are recorded; pads and batteries replaced before expiry.
• Awareness - Staff and pupils know its location and purpose; CPR and AED use are part of statutory health education.

These are the benchmarks by which schools and trusts are increasingly judged — by insurers, regulators, and their communities.

The numbers behind the guidance

• Over 32,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in England each year
• Fewer than 1 in 10 people survive
• When an AED is used within 3–5 minutes, survival can rise from 9% to 50%
• 69% of cardiac arrests happen within 500 m of a school
• Yet only 13% of school AEDs are accessible 24 hours a day

“The gap isn’t ownership — it’s readiness.”

For estates and operations teams, closing that gap is now part of the statutory test.

Schools as community safety hubs

The DfE encourages schools to think beyond their gates. Where possible, AEDs should be fitted in heated external cabinets to allow 24-hour community access.

A defibrillator positioned for public use can increase its life-saving potential a hundred-fold.

“Leadership isn’t just about having one — it’s about turning it into a community asset.”

For multi-academy trusts, that community role also carries reputational value. A visible, registered AED demonstrates leadership and a genuine commitment to safety.

Case studies: when readiness becomes real

Stuart’s story – secondary school premises manager

When the new defibrillator arrived, Stuart installed it near reception, planning to finish the paperwork later. The next day, his 15-year-old son collapsed on the school field.

Staff began CPR while Stuart fetched the AED. It advised four shocks before paramedics arrived — and his son survived.

“I knew there was hope when the defibrillator came out. It was sheer luck I’d set it up the night before.”

The school now checks its AED regularly, runs HeartStart training for staff, and has registered the device on The Circuit.

David’s story – primary school caretaker

A Wirral primary installed an AED through The Oliver King Foundation. A month later, caretaker David suffered a cardiac arrest in the staffroom.

Colleagues called 999, began CPR, and used the AED within minutes. By the time the ambulance arrived, David’s pulse had returned.

“It reminded everyone that this isn’t just kit on a wall — it’s a lifeline.”

The school has since added AED checks to its weekly site log and includes defibrillator awareness in staff inductions.

Quick readiness check for schools and trusts

1. Locate – Is your AED within two minutes of likely incidents?
2. Register – Is it listed on The Circuit?
3. Log – Are weekly checks recorded and consumables in date?
4. Train – Do staff and pupils know where it is and how to use it?
5. Review – Could one device be made community-accessible after hours?

Final thought

The defibrillator on your wall represents more than compliance — it’s a promise of readiness. The DfE’s guidance makes clear that the statutory test isn’t a tick-box exercise; it’s a moment of truth.

Could your school use its defibrillator — right now?

Because when that moment comes, the difference between having one and being ready to use it could literally be a heartbeat.

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