Can we help you find the best cabinet for your defibrillator?

Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs or Defibs) work by shocking the heart so that it can return to its natural rhythm when someone is suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). If you don't know how to spot them, check out our guide to understand the differences. Defibs are great medical tools that make the difference between life and death when used as fast as possible and are kept in schools, offices, supermarkets and sports grounds across the country.

With a wide variety of Defibs on the market, all offering something different, it can be hard  deciding which one is the best to opt for. Once you have made that decision however, it’s also important to consider which Defib cabinet is ideal for your new defibrillator to be stored in, in order for it to be kept safe and easily accessible.

Firstly, it is important to consider your location, if you have a defibrillator in your workplace (in an office for example), it is important for it to be kept somewhere that all staff frequent and can easily get to such as in the entrance corridor or canteen on the wall. Conversely, if you have a defibrillator at your local football pitch it would be accessed far more easily outside rather than in the changing rooms. These are factors to consider as the sooner a Defib is used in an emergency, the higher the chance of survival. 

Ideally, we should place no barriers on accessing a Defib as time is imperative in an emergency. Open access is the ideal solution as advised by the UK Resuscitation Council and the British heart Foundation (BHF) in their joint statement. In areas where security is a concern a lockable cabinet may have to be an option. If you decide on a lockable cabinet we recommend you opt for keypad/digi code that are accessed by inputting a combination code. Key locking cabinets are not recommended as delays with accessing the Defib are possible. Remember that every minute your casualty has to wait for defibrillation the chance of survival declines. It is also advisable to check with your local ambulance service as some have different recommendations.

Another consideration for your Defib cabinet is lighting - if you defibrillator is placed outside will it be easily seen in the dark? Luckily, most external Defib cabinets come complete with lighting so can be seen in the evening. The construction and materials used in your Defib cabinet are also important to take note of. If your Defib cabinet is going to be stored outside, it needs to be able to protect the defibrillator from adverse weather conditions such as heavy wind and rain. Defib cabinets that are constructed of stainless steel are usually more expensive but are very strong and durable. Plastic Defib cabinets however are great for use indoors as they are lighter whilst still remaining strong and durable.

You may also need to consider power systems – there are different options available each with pros and cons. There are plug in cabinets that need no wiring. However with this option there is always a risk that somebody might accidentally turn the cabinet off even if you put a sign up near the switch! A hardwired cabinet is usually the most effective option but will require a qualified electrician to complete the installation. Some cabinets will require a transformer/power supply unit as this ensures the electrical supply going into the cabinet is low voltage. Whatever you need for your Defibrillator, Defibs.co.uk are here to help

Remember when looking for a Defib cabinet that it needs to be clearly seen, made of strong, appropriate materials and can be opened quickly. We hope this has given you enough info to help you pick the right cabinet but if you have any questions please contact the team on 020 8211 2054.

Whatever you need for your Defibrillator, Defibs.co.uk are here to help