Defibrillator Requirements and Regulations in Australia

In the event of a cardiac arrest, a defibrillator or AED is an essential piece of medical equipment that can save a life with an electric shock.

Many of the doctors and nurses we’ve supported over the years have sworn by AEDs to help bring people back from the brink of fatal episodes – however, they need to be used safely and appropriately.

The Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act or Bill 2022, therefore, was launched to outline where such a life saving device can be installed and how it should be used. Whether installed at sporting facilities or residential spaces, South Australian building owners need to follow these rules to the letter. 

Let’s explore what this bill involves, and what’s required of you when installing AEDs as part of your public first aid equipment.

What is the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022?

The Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 was passed to help ensure people have fast access to defib devices in emergency situations.

 In particular, the legislation helps to protect people at risk of heart attacks and cardiac episodes in South Australia – such as caravan park and retirement village residents.

 AEDs are provably beneficial in improving a person’s chance of survival after a cardiac arrest. However, every second counts in the event of an arrest or heart attack, which means survival rates can shorten if there’s no access to life saving devices.

 With a hospital cardiac arrest, there is typically equipment to hand that can support people immediately – but what if someone collapses in public?

What Will be the Impact of This Act?

The hopeful outcome of this Act is that people who need emergency support from AEDs will receive instant life saving care in a public space or building. In particular, buildings outlined by the bill largely apply to members of Australia’s elderly population.

 The Act aims to make access to AEDs efficient and clear for all – and to place some burden of care on building owners. It will help to bolster education and guidance offered by the Australian Resuscitation Council, a body that helps people across the country learn more about saving lives.

Principal Elements of the Legislation

Designated building owners in South Australia now need to install external AEDs at any facilities or public buildings they support. They're also responsible for the upkeep and repair of their portable defibrillators and must put up clear signage.

 Designated South Australian buildings affected by the Act include: 

• Public buildings
• Sporting facilities
• Caravan parks
• Correctional institutions
• Retirement communities and villages
• Educational facilities
• Casinos
• Cultural and performance venues
• Care facilities
• Buildings of a specific size used for commercial purposes

The legislation is welcomed by many of our clients, who have fed back to us about how useful their AEDs are in an emergency – a situation no one wants to see happen.

 However, it’s estimated that over 26,000 people in Australia have cardiac arrests outside of hospital every year. The AED Act will, therefore, save as many of these lives as possible.

What are the Challenges?

There are some concerns regarding phrasing within a bill such as this and how those affected are to follow its stipulations.

 For example, an element of the Act mentions that commercial buildings that have undergone “major works” worth $100,000 or more from 2025 are impacted – provided the building’s floor area is more than 600 square metres.

 Some building owners challenge this phrasing on the grounds it doesn’t mention whether “major works” refers to an isolated project, or an element of a broader refit or repair.

 Beyond that, building owners are facing challenges to invest in AED equipment, especially where they previously had no provisions in place. However, it’s suggested that owners of a commercial building could recover costs incurred as part of their leases.

 Right now, there is some ongoing ambiguity regarding the bill’s phrasing elsewhere. However, in our view, it is much better to be safe than sorry and to install reputable AEDs wherever possible, regardless of legal obligations.

 According to St John’s Ambulance Victoria, using an AED within minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest could boost survival chances by up to 70%.

What Are the Owner’s Responsibilities?

The bill places the burden on public building owners to install AEDs effectively, so they are accessible in the event of emergencies, and the chain of survival can go uninterrupted. 

Owners should ensure that they maintain and test AEDs at least once every 12 months – for each device installed. They are also responsible for costs – and any tenants of buildings owned by affected landlords have the right to hold them to account. 

Building owners must also communicate clearly to the government / parliament bodies where and when AEDs will be accessible to the public.

Useful Tips on Buying an AED

If you’re buying an AED as a result of recommendations made by the Australian government and state emergency service, here are a few tips on what to look out for, recommended by some of our repeat clients: 

• Check that accessories are all in place and in good condition. That means looking for batteries, carry cases, and electrode pads. In some cases, you might need to purchase these separately.
• Ensure that AEDs come with clear instructions. The best defib devices should be easy enough for any bystanders to use in the event of an emergency.
• Consider automatic or semi-automatic devices. Auto AEDs will deliver shocks at preset intervals. Semi-auto AEDs, meanwhile, will still scan patients but will need you to manually administer shocks. Think about what’s most convenient for your purposes.
• Purchase a device you can easily fit. Think carefully about any brackets or cases you want to fit to a wall to hold your AED. Does your chosen device fit snugly, is it easy to access?
• Check warranties and other protections. Ideally, you should maintain and repair your AED regularly, so check that there’s a manufacturer option to help you if the tool breaks down.
• Invest in child defibrillation pads. Not all AEDs arrive with shock pads that will fit adults and children, so prioritise looking for both options.
• Don’t invest in cheap equipment. An AED is an extra expense for building owners, but buying cheaply could mean ineffective equipment. Instead, prioritise features and look for a reputable brand and retailer.

 Where to buy a defibrillator

You can buy AEDs in Australia from reputable sources such as MedShop. We carry a variety of different brands and AED models, supplying to customers across South Australia and major cities, from Victorian clients to those based in Sydney and Perth. 

Our defibrillators are carefully selected by our team of medical experts – meaning you can always be sure you’re purchasing reliable, user-friendly equipment that’s easy to install. 

Many of our customers – including doctors and building owners alike – have advised us that our first aid kits including AEDs and pads are some of the most comprehensive on the market. Feel free to explore our range of AED defibrillators and contact our team if you have any questions!

Defibrillator Required Laws FAQ

Is My Property Subject to the AED Act?

You will need to purchase, install, and add signage for an AED at your commercial or public building depending on its size and purposes. For example, if you run a public-facing building, a residential park, or care home, you are subject to the AED Act. Take a look at our list of affected buildings above. 

Does the AED Act Apply to My Location?

At the time of writing, if your building or premises is within the state of South Australia, you are required by law to install and promote an AED for public access. However, it is good practice to install AEDs regardless of legal obligations.

Ideal Locations for Installing an AED

You should ideally install AEDs in clear, accessible positions in areas that people are likely to congregate in. For example, consider large rooms, waiting areas, or even cafeterias. You should install AEDs where they are quick and easy to use in the event of an emergency.