FREE TOOL
AED buying helper for Australian workplaces
Answer a few plain-English questions to narrow the AED features that matter: automatic or semi-automatic shock, child mode, CPR feedback, cabinet choice, maintenance, and supplier support.
This is general buying guidance, not medical, legal or procurement advice. Buy from an Australian supplier, confirm TGA approval for the exact model, and follow the manufacturer instructions. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
Step-by-step AED chooser
Step 1: Will children likely be nearby?
If yes, strongly prefer an AED with a built-in child button or key. Separate child pads are still useful, but they are easier to forget, misplace or leave in a cabinet during stress.
Step 2: Will untrained bystanders use it?
Choose the simplest voice prompts, clear pictures, visible status indicator, and ideally CPR feedback or CPR coaching.
Step 3: Automatic or semi-automatic?
Automatic shocks by itself after warning everyone to stand clear. Semi-automatic asks the rescuer to press the shock button.
Step 4: Do you want CPR feedback?
CPR feedback can coach compression rate and sometimes depth. This is valuable because most rescues need CPR as well as the AED.
Step 5: Where will it live?
For public or outdoor access, budget for signage and a suitable cabinet. Do not hide the AED in a locked office or cupboard.
Step 6: Who keeps it ready?
Choose a supplier with pads, batteries, reminders and servicing. Pads and batteries expire and must be checked regularly.
ELI5: automatic vs semi-automatic
Fully automatic AED
Think: the AED presses the shock button for you. It analyses the heart, loudly warns everyone not to touch the person, then gives the shock automatically if needed.
Semi-automatic AED
Think: the AED asks you to press the big flashing button. It still decides whether a shock is needed; you just confirm the delivery.
Which is better?
For nervous public users, fully automatic can reduce hesitation. For trained workplaces, semi-automatic gives a clear final human check. Both are safe when used as instructed.
Automatic or semi-automatic: quick chooser
| Choose | Best when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Fully automatic | The AED may be used by members of the public, casual staff, parents, volunteers or people with little recent training. | Everyone must still stand clear when the AED says so. Place it where prompts can be heard clearly. |
| Semi-automatic | You have trained first aiders, a controlled workplace, or responders who may prefer pressing the final shock button themselves. | A nervous rescuer may hesitate at the shock button. Training and simple signage help. |
| Either is reasonable | Your supplier offers strong support and the model has clear prompts, visible status, good pads/battery availability and a cabinet that suits the location. | Do not treat shock mode as more important than access, readiness checks, child mode and CPR quality. |
Feature priorities
| Priority | Look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Must have | Australian supplier and TGA-approved model | Healthdirect and Heart Foundation guidance both point buyers back to TGA-approved AEDs from Australian suppliers. |
| Must have | Visible ready indicator | Someone should be able to see the AED is ready without opening a case. |
| High value | Built-in child mode or child key | Best for schools, childcare, family venues, sport, hospitality and any workplace where a child may be present. |
| High value | CPR feedback or CPR coaching | The AED is only part of the rescue. CPR quality matters while waiting for paramedics. |
| High value | Simple pads and battery replacement | A cheaper AED can become annoying if consumables are hard to source or track. |
| Nice to have | Wi-Fi or connected monitoring | Useful for multi-site businesses, schools, clubs, gyms and facilities teams. |
| Nice to have | Bilingual prompts | Useful where responders may prefer another language during stress. |
Child mode: button/key or separate pads?
| Child setup | Best for | Practical trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in child button or child key | Schools, childcare, sport clubs, hospitality, family venues and anywhere a child rescue is reasonably possible. | Fastest for a stressed responder because the same pads can usually stay connected and the AED reduces energy after child mode is selected. |
| Separate paediatric pads or cartridge | Adult-focused sites where children are unlikely, or where staff are trained and the child pads are stored very clearly with the AED. | Can work well, but someone must find the child pads, open the right packet and attach the right pads during a stressful rescue. |
| No clear child setup | Avoid for child-facing locations unless the supplier can explain the exact paediatric rescue process. | The device may still be usable in an emergency according to its instructions, but it is not the easiest buying choice for places with children. |
Ask suppliers to show the exact child rescue steps for the model you are quoted. The best AED on paper is less useful if the child setup is confusing, hidden, expired or missing.
CPR feedback: what level do you need?
| Level | What it usually means | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Real CPR feedback | The AED or connected sensor gives live coaching on compression rate, and often depth, during CPR. | Best for gyms, pools, construction, schools, public access sites and any workplace where a nervous bystander may need to do CPR. |
| CPR coaching or metronome | The AED talks the rescuer through CPR and may provide a beat for compression timing, but may not measure compression quality. | Good for offices, smaller workplaces and trained teams where budget matters but CPR prompts are still wanted. |
| Basic prompts only | The AED tells the rescuer what to do, but does not meaningfully coach CPR quality. | Acceptable for some low-risk settings, but compare carefully if non-trained bystanders may respond. |
Ask suppliers whether their CPR feature measures compression quality or only gives timed prompts. The wording can sound similar, but the rescue experience is different.
What to ask suppliers before you buy
| Question | Good answer to look for |
|---|---|
| Is this exact AED model supplied for Australia and listed with the TGA? | Yes, with the exact model name and supplier details confirmed. |
| Does child rescue use a button/key or separate paediatric pads? | Button/key is usually easier where children are likely; separate pads can still work if they are stored clearly with the AED. |
| Does it give CPR feedback, CPR coaching, or only a metronome? | Real feedback is strongest. Coaching/metronome is still helpful. Plain voice prompts are the minimum. |
| What is included in the package? | AED, carry case, pads, battery, signage, rescue kit, inspection tags, wall bracket or cabinet if needed. |
| When do pads and batteries expire, and what do replacements cost? | Clear dates, local stock, and predictable replacement pricing. |
| Who reminds us when consumables expire? | Supplier reminder, connected AED monitoring, or a workplace system such as Kitora. |
| What warranty, support and training material is included? | Australian support, clear warranty period, onboarding resources and easy access to manuals. |
| What cabinet is suitable for this location? | Indoor wall bracket, indoor cabinet, alarmed cabinet, or weather-rated outdoor cabinet matched to the site. |
AEDs commonly supplied in Australia
This is a practical exhaustive list of the mainstream AED families visible through Australian AED suppliers and manufacturer pages, not every obscure import or legacy ARTG listing. Availability changes, so confirm the exact model, package and consumables with the supplier before buying.
| Brand or family | Common models or family names | Child mode approach | CPR feedback or coaching notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZOLL | AED 3, AED 3 BLS, AED Plus, Powerheart G5 | AED 3 uses universal adult/child pads with a child mode button. AED Plus typically uses paediatric pads or a separate child setup. | Strongest CPR feedback reputation. AED 3 and AED Plus include Real CPR Help; AED 3 has screen guidance. |
| LIFEPAK / Stryker / Physio-Control | LIFEPAK CR2, LIFEPAK CR Plus, LIFEPAK 1000 | CR2 has a child mode button using the same electrodes. Other LIFEPAK models may use separate paediatric electrodes or professional-responder workflows. | CR2 includes CPR coaching, metronome and cprINSIGHT analysis during CPR. LIFEPAK 1000 is more responder/professional oriented, so compare fit for lay users carefully. |
| HeartSine / Stryker | Samaritan 350P, 360P, 500P | Separate Paediatric-Pak cartridge. | 500P adds CPR Advisor feedback. 350P and 360P are simpler voice/visual prompt units. |
| Mindray | BeneHeart C1A, C2, D1 | Adult/child mode button on current C-series units. | C2 offers ResQNavi guidance and, on relevant versions, CPR real-time feedback. |
| Philips HeartStart | HS1, FRx, FR3 | HS1 uses child/infant cartridge. FRx uses an infant/child key with the same Smart Pads II. | Voice prompts and CPR guidance/metronome. Less feedback-heavy than ZOLL AED 3. |
| Defibtech | Lifeline, Lifeline AUTO, Lifeline VIEW, Lifeline ECG | Separate child/infant pads. | VIEW/ECG models add screen/video-style guidance and CPR coaching prompts. |
| HeartOn Mediana | A10, A15 | Adult/child patient mode on relevant models. | Clear voice prompts; confirm CPR feedback details for the exact variant. |
| Schiller | FRED PA-1, FRED Easy, FRED Easyport | Model-dependent paediatric mode or pads. | Good professional/responder range; confirm layperson guidance and consumable supply locally. |
| CU Medical | iPAD SP1 and related iPAD AEDs | Adult/paediatric switch on SP1 family. | Voice prompts and visual guidance; confirm current Australian supply and consumables. |
| Cardiac Science | Powerheart G3, Powerheart G5 | Model-dependent paediatric pads or mode. | Now under ZOLL. G5 is notable for real-time CPR feedback; older G3 is more legacy. |
For mainstream workplace buying, start with the families that Australian AED suppliers actively support with pads, batteries, cabinets and service. Older or specialist models may still be valid, but they need extra checking around consumables, warranty and layperson usability.
Shortlist by situation
| Situation | Best fit to compare first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| School, childcare, sport club or family venue | ZOLL AED 3, LIFEPAK CR2, Mindray BeneHeart C2 | Built-in child mode is a major practical advantage when a child rescue is realistic. |
| Public access cabinet with nervous bystanders | Fully automatic ZOLL AED 3, LIFEPAK CR2, HeartSine 360P | Fully automatic shock delivery can reduce hesitation once the AED has warned everyone to stand clear. |
| Gym, pool, construction or higher-risk workplace | ZOLL AED 3, ZOLL AED Plus, HeartSine 500P, LIFEPAK CR2 | CPR feedback or strong CPR coaching is more valuable when responders may need to perform compressions for several minutes. |
| Simple low-risk office | Philips HeartStart HS1 or FRx, HeartSine 350P/360P, Mindray C1A/C2 | A simple, reliable device with easy prompts may be enough if budget and basic readiness are the main concerns. |
| Multi-site business or facility manager | ZOLL AED 3, LIFEPAK CR2 connected options, Mindray connected options | Remote monitoring and easier readiness checks matter more when one person manages many AEDs. |
| Harsh, mobile or outdoor use | HeartSine Samaritan range, ZOLL AED 3 with suitable case/cabinet, LIFEPAK CR2 with suitable cabinet | Prioritise ruggedness, ingress protection, cabinet choice, signage and consumable access. |
After you buy: simple AED readiness checks
| Check | What to look for | Suggested rhythm |
|---|---|---|
| Ready indicator | Green tick, ready light, or normal status screen depending on the model. | At least monthly and after any incident. |
| Pads | Correct adult pads attached or stored, package sealed, expiry date still valid, child pads/key present if needed. | At least monthly and after use. |
| Battery | Battery installed, battery date valid, no low-battery warning. | At least monthly and before expiry. |
| Cabinet and access | Cabinet opens, alarm works if fitted, AED is visible, signage is clear, nothing blocks access. | At least monthly. |
| Rescue kit | Gloves, scissors, razor, towel or wipes, face shield or mask if included. | At least monthly and after use. |
| Records | Date checked, person checking, pad expiry, battery expiry, action needed. | Log every check. |
| After a rescue | Replace used pads, check or replace the battery, clean the unit as instructed, download event data if required. | Immediately after use. |
Use the manufacturer manual as the final authority for your exact AED. The main workplace habit is simple: make sure someone can see it is ready, reach it quickly, and knows when pads or batteries need replacing.
Common AED buying mistakes to avoid
Buying on price only
A cheaper AED can cost more over time if pads, batteries, support or cabinets are expensive or hard to source locally.
Forgetting child rescue
If children may be nearby, do not rely on someone remembering where separate child pads are unless the storage and checks are very clear.
Hiding the AED
An AED in a locked cupboard, back office or unmarked room is slower to use. Visibility and signage are part of the purchase.
Skipping CPR quality
The AED does not replace CPR. If bystanders are likely to be nervous, CPR feedback or strong CPR coaching is worth serious consideration.
No owner assigned
Pads and batteries expire. Name a person or role responsible for monthly readiness checks and post-use replacement.
No after-use plan
After a rescue, pads usually need replacing and the device may need cleaning, battery review, data download or supplier support.
Simple AED quote scorecard
| Score item | Points | What earns the points |
|---|---|---|
| Australian supply and support | 0-2 | TGA-listed model, Australian supplier, clear warranty and local support. |
| Child rescue simplicity | 0-2 | Built-in child button/key gets full marks where children may be present; separate pads score lower unless storage is clear. |
| CPR help | 0-2 | Real CPR feedback gets full marks; coaching/metronome gets partial; basic prompts only scores low. |
| Consumables and ownership | 0-2 | Pads and batteries are easy to source, expiry dates are clear, and someone owns reminder checks. |
| Placement and visibility | 0-2 | Suitable cabinet or bracket, clear signage, easy access and no locked-away storage. |
| Total | 10 | Compare the highest-scoring AEDs, then choose the one your team can keep ready and use confidently. |
Use this as a shortlist tool, not a clinical ranking. A slightly lower-scoring AED from a reliable supplier may be better than a feature-heavy model with poor local support.
Before publishing this tool
| Review item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Confirm model names and availability with current Australian suppliers. | AED ranges and package inclusions change, and some older models may still appear in supplier catalogues. |
| Check the source links still open and support the buying guidance. | Health and product guidance should not rely on stale or broken references. |
| Confirm no single supplier is presented as the only safe choice. | The tool should help buyers compare fairly, not imply unsupported exclusivity. |
| Review wording for child rescue and CPR feedback carefully. | These are high-stress features where plain language matters more than technical detail. |
| Keep the disclaimer and Triple Zero emergency instruction visible. | The page is a buying helper, not emergency medical advice. |
AED buyer FAQs
Do we need training before buying an AED?
AEDs are designed to guide rescuers with prompts, but training makes people faster and calmer. Treat training as part of readiness, especially in workplaces, schools, gyms and public venues.
Is any AED better than no AED?
In an emergency, an available AED can matter. For buying decisions, compare access, child mode, CPR help, local support, pads, batteries and visibility rather than buying the first cheap model you see.
Should the AED be locked away?
Usually no. An AED should be visible and quick to reach. Use a suitable cabinet, alarm or placement control if needed, but avoid slowing down access during a cardiac arrest.
What ongoing costs should we budget for?
Budget for replacement pads, batteries, cabinets or brackets, signage, rescue-kit items, training refreshers and any supplier monitoring or service plan.
Who should own AED checks?
Name a role, not just a person. For example: office manager, site supervisor, first aid officer, facility manager or club secretary. The job is to check readiness and arrange replacements.
Best recommendations
These recommendations assume the supplier can confirm Australian supply/support, current consumables, a suitable cabinet or bracket, and the child-mode and CPR-support features described above. If a quote scores poorly on the scorecard, treat that as a reason to ask more questions even if the model name is familiar.
Best all-round workplace AED: ZOLL AED 3
Pick this when you want child mode built in, strong CPR feedback, colour rescue images, Wi-Fi options, and simple adult/child pads. It is the easiest recommendation for mixed adult and child environments.
Best for schools and childcare: LIFEPAK CR2 or ZOLL AED 3
Both avoid swapping to separate child pads. The CR2 child button and CPR coaching make it very friendly; the ZOLL AED 3 adds excellent CPR feedback and screen guidance.
Best budget-leaning quality option: Mindray BeneHeart C2
Usually a strong value choice with adult/child mode and guided rescue prompts. Confirm whether the version quoted includes the CPR feedback sensor/features you want.
Best compact rugged option: HeartSine Samaritan 500P
Small, light, rugged and has CPR Advisor feedback. The trade-off is needing the correct Paediatric-Pak for children.
Best visual guidance option: Defibtech Lifeline VIEW
Good where video-style instructions may help nervous responders. The trade-off is separate child pads rather than a simple child button.
Best simple familiar option: Philips HeartStart FRx or HS1
Good, proven, easy-to-follow devices. Choose FRx if you like the reusable infant/child key; choose HS1 only if cartridge-style pads suit your maintenance process.
Quick answer
If children may be present, start your shortlist with ZOLL AED 3, LIFEPAK CR2, and Mindray BeneHeart C2. If CPR feedback is a top priority, shortlist ZOLL AED 3, ZOLL AED Plus, HeartSine 500P, and the right Mindray C2 configuration. If the AED is for a simple office with mostly adults and a tight budget, Philips HeartStart, HeartSine 350P/360P, Mindray C1A/C2, and Defibtech Lifeline are still worth comparing.
Sources checked
- Healthdirect AED buyer basics: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/defibrillators
- Heart Foundation AED buying considerations: https://www.heartfoundation.au/heart-of-the-nation/aeds
- Defibshop AED brands in Australia: https://www.defibshop.com.au/product-category/defibrillators-aeds-expert-advice-australian-owed/
- AED Authority Australian brand range: https://aedauthority.com.au/about-aed-authority-australia/defibrillatorbrands/
- Red Cross AED category guidance: https://shop.redcross.org.au/first-aid/Defibrillators/
- St John AED maintenance checklist: https://stjohn.org.au/assets/uploads/fact%20sheets/english/Fact%20sheet%20-%20AED%20Maintenance%20checklist.pdf
- ZOLL AED 3 feature information: https://www.zoll.com/en-au/products/emergency-care/aeds/zoll-aed-3
Track AED checks alongside your first aid kits
Kitora can help record AED location, pad expiry, battery expiry, cabinet checks and monthly readiness checks.