New AED location sign!

It makes sense that as a First Aider, when you need an AED (defibrillator) in a public place – you need to be able to recognise one. You’ll probably also need to describe what one looks like if you send a bystander to fetch one. This is especially true now there’s a new AED location sign.

The Resuscitation Council (UK) https://www.resus.org.uk and the British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk have developed a new UK AED (defibrillator) location sign and a supporting information poster. The changes are designed to help people understand what AEDs are for and to encourage more people to use them.

What does the new AED location sign look like?

The new AED location sign includes the following changes to the current sign:

• The lightning bolt icon has been changed to a stylised ECG heart trace. Respondents of the public consultation overwhelmingly said they would be more likely to use a sign with this icon on.

• The description has been changed to “Defibrillator – Heart Restarter”. Respondents of the public consultation said they thought this term would most encourage them to use the device.

• A person lying on their back has been added, showing the suggested placement of the defibrillator pads. This is to reinforce (by way of a strong visual cue) how the device should be used.

If you have any questions, just let us know and we’ll be happy to help. You could also check out our related blog about how to locate AEDs / defibrillators here:

https://www.lifesavingtraining.co.uk/nearest-defibrillator-aed/