Workplace emergency preparedness involves more than maintaining first aid kits and displaying evacuation plans. Businesses also need to consider how they would respond if an employee, contractor or visitor experienced a sudden cardiac arrest while on site.

A suitable defib machine can be an important component of that response. When used alongside prompt emergency services notification and CPR, an automated external defibrillator (AED) can help provide early intervention while professional medical assistance is on its way.

For Australian employers, the decision to install a defibrillator should reflect the nature of the workplace, the people who use it, its location and the time it may take emergency services to arrive. Reviewing these factors can help organisations develop practical emergency arrangements rather than relying on assumptions about the equipment available.

NEANN, an Australian supplier of medical equipment and emergency response supplies, offers defibrillators from brands including HeartSine and Defibtech, as well as related accessories. Its product category provides an option for businesses and organisations assessing their medical equipment requirements.

Understanding Cardiac Emergency Risks at Work

Cardiac emergencies can occur in a wide range of workplaces, including offices, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, construction environments, sporting venues and customer-facing businesses. Although the level of risk differs between sites, an emergency response plan should account for the possibility of an employee or visitor suddenly becoming unresponsive.

A cardiac arrest requires immediate action. The person may collapse, fail to respond and stop breathing normally or only gasp. Bystanders should call Triple Zero (000), follow the emergency call-taker's instructions and begin CPR when indicated. An AED should be retrieved and used as soon as it is available.

A defib machine analyses the person's heart rhythm and provides spoken or visual instructions. It will only advise a shock when the detected rhythm and device assessment indicate that one is appropriate. Responders should follow the device prompts and emergency call-taker's directions throughout the process.

The ability to access an AED quickly is particularly relevant where a workplace has multiple buildings, large floor areas, restricted entry points or activities conducted away from the main office. A device that exists somewhere on the premises may provide limited practical benefit if workers cannot locate it promptly.

Assessing the Need for a Workplace Defibrillator

Employers can begin by reviewing their existing first aid risk assessment and emergency procedures. The assessment should consider the number of workers and visitors, the nature of the work, the site's layout, known hazards and the availability of emergency assistance.

Remote and regional workplaces may face longer ambulance response times than sites close to emergency services. Large industrial facilities may have workers spread across production areas, loading zones and separate buildings. Offices, retail premises and venues with regular public access may need to account for visitors who are unfamiliar with the building.

The assessment should also consider whether existing emergency procedures clearly identify who contacts emergency services, who retrieves first aid equipment and how responders can reach the affected person.

A defib machine may be a sensible addition where the assessment identifies a need for rapid access to an AED. The appropriate device and its location should be determined by the workplace's requirements and the manufacturer's guidance.

Employers should avoid assuming that the same arrangement will suit every site. A compact office and a large distribution facility may require very different approaches to equipment placement, signage and emergency communication.

Selecting Equipment for Different Working Environments

The conditions in which a defibrillator will be used should influence equipment selection. Businesses should consider whether the device is intended for an office, a mobile response team, an outdoor work area or a demanding industrial environment.

Relevant factors include the device's operating instructions, durability, portability, storage requirements, battery arrangements and compatibility with replacement pads and accessories. The manufacturer should be consulted for technical specifications and environmental limitations.

For workplaces where equipment may need to be moved between locations, a suitable carry case can help with transport and protection. Fixed installations may benefit from clearly identified storage cabinets or wall-mounted arrangements that make the device easy to locate.

Businesses should also consider whether the selected AED is appropriate for the people it may be used on. Some models offer paediatric capabilities or compatible accessories, but these features vary by product. Organisations should confirm the specifications of the particular model rather than assuming every defibrillator has the same functions.

NEANN's defibrillator range includes products from HeartSine and Defibtech, with related accessories available for different equipment requirements. Product suitability should be assessed against the intended application and the manufacturer's instructions.

Making AEDs Part of Workplace Procedures

Purchasing a defibrillator is not a complete emergency preparedness strategy. Workers need to understand where the equipment is located and how it fits into the site's emergency response plan.

Workplace induction sessions can explain AED locations, access arrangements and the procedure for contacting emergency services. Safety meetings and refresher sessions can reinforce these details, particularly when equipment is relocated or site layouts change.

First aid and CPR training can also help employees respond with greater confidence. Practical training provides an opportunity to understand the prompts given by an AED and to practise coordinating CPR with the use of emergency equipment.

Employers should make it clear that a cardiac emergency is not the time to search through lengthy internal documents or wait for a designated individual if immediate action is required. Staff should call Triple Zero (000), follow the call-taker's instructions and use an available AED according to its prompts.

Where several workers are present, responsibilities can be divided so that one person contacts emergency services, another begins CPR and another retrieves the device. The exact response will depend on the circumstances and the number of people available.

Understanding Australian Workplace Requirements

There is no single rule requiring every Australian workplace to install a defibrillator. Obligations depend on the applicable legislation, the type of premises and the circumstances of the business.

South Australia's Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 introduced requirements from 1 January 2026 for certain public buildings, facilities and vehicles. Other workplaces should review their relevant work health and safety requirements and assess what first aid equipment is appropriate for their operations.

Safe Work Australia's guidance on first aid in the workplace provides a useful starting point for reviewing workplace first aid arrangements. Employers should also consult the relevant state or territory regulator and obtain qualified advice where the application of a particular requirement is unclear.

Even where an AED is not specifically mandated, a workplace risk assessment may identify it as an appropriate safety measure. Organisations should document their decisions and ensure that their first aid arrangements reflect the risks and practical needs of their site.

Keeping Equipment Ready for an Emergency

A workplace defib machine must remain accessible and operational. Regular inspections should check the device's readiness indicator, battery status, electrode pad expiry dates and general condition in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Businesses should establish responsibility for these checks rather than leaving them to chance. A nominated person or team can maintain inspection records, arrange replacement supplies and report faults before they affect readiness.

Storage areas should remain clearly marked and free from obstructions. If a device is moved, the location should be updated in site procedures and communicated to employees. Following an emergency in which the AED is used, the equipment should be checked, cleaned or serviced as directed by the manufacturer, and consumables replaced where necessary.

These measures help integrate equipment management into the wider workplace safety system.

A Practical Approach to Workplace Safety

Effective workplace preparedness combines suitable equipment, clear procedures, employee awareness and regular checks. A defib machine can contribute to a coordinated cardiac emergency response, but its usefulness depends on whether people can reach it and understand the steps to take.

By reviewing first aid arrangements, assessing site-specific risks and maintaining emergency equipment, Australian organisations can make informed decisions about AED provision.

NEANN supplies medical and emergency response equipment, including defibrillators and associated accessories, to organisations across Australia. Its product range provides a starting point for businesses evaluating their defibrillator requirements as part of a broader workplace safety review.

About NEANN

NEANN is an Australian supplier of medical equipment and emergency response supplies and is a division of RAPP Australia Pty Ltd. Its range includes defibrillators, resuscitation equipment, first aid supplies and accessories for professional and emergency care applications.