An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that saves lives by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart. In case of a sudden cardiac arrest, the patient’s heart rhythm needs to be reset quickly, which can only be done through defibrillation using an AED. While starting immediate CPR is essential, it alone is not sufficient to reset the heart rhythm. An AED will deliver a controlled electric shock to get the heart beating normally again.

In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10%. Quick access to an AED can significantly increase the chances of survival.

Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your organisation’s and community’s safety. Apply for the AED grant today and take the first step towards saving lives.

Absolutely! AEDs are user-friendly and safe to operate. Our range is designed for public access and requires no specialized training. Once activated, AEDs guide the user step-by-step until Emergency Services arrive, with simple graphics and clear voice commands making them easy for anyone to use. Using an AED poses no risk—you cannot harm the person, be harmed, or be held liable.

Good Samaritan laws protect those who assist in emergencies.

The AED Grant Program offers $1,000 grants to eligible not-for-profit community, cultural, or sporting organisations in South Australia to assist with purchasing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Organisations must be not-for-profit, comply with the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022, be located in South Australia, have an active Australian Business Number (ABN), and be the owner of the building or facility where the AED will be installed.

To ensure safety and reliability, AEDs must be Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved and meet the minimum recommendations set by the Australian New Zealand Resuscitation Council Guidelines. The SA Ambulance Service recommends the following features for AEDs:

TGA Approval: The AED must have TGA certification.

Essential Equipment:

• Two sets of defibrillation pads.
• Shears.
• A razor.

Durability:

• The AED needs to withstand the environment in which it is placed. Consider the International Protection (IP) rating, which indicates the device’s ability to resist dust, water, extreme temperatures, and mechanical impact.

Usability:

• Ideally, the AED should be suitable for use on both adults and children.
• Devices that provide visual cues and verbal instructions on performing CPR and early defibrillation are particularly beneficial and reassuring for non-medically trained users.

• Compliance with Guidelines: It should operate in accordance with current Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.
• Portability: The device should be lightweight and easily transportable.
• Long-Life Battery: It must have a battery capable of delivering multiple shocks and supporting multiple resuscitations.

Recipients are responsible for installing and maintaining the AED and must register its location with Triple Zero (000) operators.

There will be a requirement to register all AEDs on the South Australian AED Register from 1 January 2026. Information and a link to the register will be made available once confirmed. In the meantime, you can choose to register an AED on the existing SA Ambulance Service AED Register. When someone calls Triple Zero (000) for a cardiac emergency, SAAS can use the register to advise them of the nearest AED.

When determining the appropriate number of AED units and their placement, several factors should be considered. Except for small buildings, it is generally advised to have at least one AED unit per floor. The key goal of any effective AED program is to ensure a response time of three minutes or less from the victim’s collapse to the AED’s arrival. Use this objective as a guideline for deciding the number and locations of AED units. For further information on how to assess your site, click here.

Defibrillators are designed for use by anyone, requiring no prior training. They provide clear visual and verbal instructions to guide you through each step. While each defibrillator model may vary slightly, it’s beneficial to familiarise yourself with your chosen one. Our resources section includes demonstration videos for all the devices we offer.

AED Authority provides expert guidance throughout the grant application process, assists in selecting the ideal AED, and offers comprehensive support for installation and maintenance.