From Fire Extinguishers to Defibrillators: How Office Safety Equipment is Evolving

Lucy Dale

Published:17 February 2025

For decades, workplace safety has revolved around fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency exit plans. Offices worldwide have stringent fire regulations, ensuring that every building has the right fire suppression equipment in place. But what about sudden cardiac arrest?

Statistically, an office worker is far more likely to suffer a cardiac arrest than to experience a fire. The average survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests is less than 10%, yet the presence of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can increase survival rates to over 70% when used within the first few minutes.

This begs the question: Why do fire extinguishers line every office hallway while defibrillators remain a rarity? The answer lies in outdated perceptions of risk, but that is beginning to change.

Why Defibrillators Are Becoming Office Essentials

Employers have a legal duty of care to protect employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, but historically, cardiac arrest has been overlooked in workplace risk assessments. That is rapidly evolving as awareness grows around the prevalence of heart-related emergencies in office settings.

Unlike a heart attack, which is a blockage in the arteries, sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction that causes the heart to stop beating properly. Without immediate intervention, the individual collapses, loses consciousness, and within minutes, their chances of survival plummet.

An AED delivers a controlled electric shock to reset the heart’s rhythm, and it does not require a medical professional to operate. Modern defibrillators are designed for anyone to use, with clear step-by-step voice prompts and built-in fail-safes ensuring that a shock is only delivered if necessary.

Yet, despite their proven ability to save lives, many workplaces still lack these essential devices.

17 February 2025

How Workplace Safety Regulations Are Changing

As public health policies shift toward proactive emergency response, more industries are mandating defibrillators in workplaces.

Some of the key regulations and guidelines influencing this change include:

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 (UK) – Requires employers to assess risks and provide adequate first aid. Many risk assessments now include AEDs.
The Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Bill – A proposed UK law aimed at increasing AED installations in public and workplace settings.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 – Covers emergency procedures, which increasingly include defibrillators.

Beyond legislation, corporate policies are adapting, with industry leaders recognising the value of AEDs. Many large businesses now consider defibrillators as non-negotiable safety measures, just like fire extinguishers.

Real-Life Cases That Have Driven Change

Unfortunately, many businesses only invest in AEDs after a tragedy. There are countless cases where cardiac arrests have occurred in offices, warehouses, and corporate settings, with fatal consequences simply because a defibrillator was not available. On the flip side, organisations that have installed AEDs and trained their staff have seen dramatic improvements in survival rates.

At West Fraser, a mill located in Joanna, South Carolina, an employee named Marty Scott experienced a sudden cardiac event while on the job. Thanks to the swift and skilled response of three trained coworkers and the availability of an on-site AED, Marty received immediate assistance. The coworkers administered CPR and utilised the AED to deliver a shock, stabilising Marty until emergency medical services arrived. This incident underscores the critical importance of having AEDs readily accessible in the workplace and ensuring employees are trained to use them effectively (scnsc.org).

This is not an isolated case, employers across various industries are now seeing AEDs as an essential investment in employee safety.

What Makes a Workplace AED-Friendly?

Installing an AED is only part of the solution. A workplace needs to be AED-ready, meaning:

Strategic Placement – AEDs should be mounted in high-visibility, easy-access areas, just like fire extinguishers. Recommended locations include reception areas, break rooms, and main office corridors.
Proper Signage – Clear signage ensures employees know where to find the AED in an emergency.
Staff Training – While AEDs are designed for untrained users, basic CPR and defibrillator training can dramatically improve response time.
Routine Maintenance – Defibrillators must be regularly checked, with pads and batteries replaced before they expire.

Overcoming Common Misconceptions About Workplace AEDs

Despite their effectiveness, misunderstandings still prevent many businesses from adopting AEDs.

“We already have a first aid kit.” – First aid kits do not address cardiac arrest. Only CPR and defibrillation can restore a normal heart rhythm.
“AEDs are too complicated for employees to use.” – Modern defibrillators provide clear, step-by-step voice guidance, making them easier to use than a fire extinguisher.
“The chances of needing an AED in our office are low.” – Cardiac arrest does not discriminate. It can happen at any time to anyone, regardless of age or health history.

Investing in a Safer Workplace: Where to Start

For businesses looking to improve their workplace safety strategy, choosing the right AED is key. Several factors should be considered, including:

Type of AED – Some workplaces may benefit from a semi-automatic defibrillator, while others might prefer a fully automatic model.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Needs – Offices with outdoor worksites or remote locations may require weather-resistant AEDs.
Employee Training – While AEDs are designed to be intuitive, formal training improves confidence and response time Find training resources.

The Future of Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is no longer just about fire prevention and first aid, it’s about holistic emergency preparedness. With the rise of corporate health initiatives and government-backed policies, defibrillators will soon be as common in offices as fire extinguishers. Employers who prioritise cardiac safety today are not only complying with evolving regulations but also saving lives.

If your workplace has not yet invested in an AED, now is the time.

Explore workplace defibrillator solutions and take the first step toward a safer, more prepared office environment.