Photograph the label
Capture the manufacturer, exact model, serial number and any existing part numbers.
DEFIBRILLATOR SUPPORT HUBA practical guide for schools and early years settings
Is it time to replace your school defibrillator?
Not just because a battery or pad quote is expensive.
First identify the exact model, confirm that compatible parts and technical support are still available, then compare the full cost of keeping it with the whole-life cost of replacement.
General guidance only. Follow your AED manufacturer's instructions and seek appropriate technical support for your exact device.
The decision is about readiness and remaining support. An expensive consumable for a very old, unsupported or discontinued AED can justify comparing replacement, but an exact model check must come first.
STEP 1
Before you ask for a price, identify the device
A photograph of the model label prevents most compatibility mistakes.
Check readiness
Record pad and battery expiry dates and check the ready or fault indicator.
Confirm compatibility
Never buy on appearance alone. Confirm the exact compatible part number.
Check support status
Ask the manufacturer or an appropriate technical supplier whether the model is supported.
Check the whole setup
Consider location and access, ongoing recorded checks, cabinet condition and whether the AED is correctly registered on The Circuit.
STEP 2
Compare replacement when the evidence points that way
The device is at or beyond its documented anticipated service life.
Correct pads or batteries are no longer available.
The manufacturer no longer supports the model or necessary updates.
A costly consumable for a very old device makes replacement competitive over its remaining life.
These are reasons to compare, not a clinical or device-specific recommendation.
STEP 3
Protect your budget before buying
Ask the supplier to put every answer in writing.
Ask for the exact package
Exact make and model
Everything included: pads, battery, case, sign and preparation kit
Adult and paediatric capability
Ask for the lifetime costs
Pad and battery prices and expected replacement intervals
Warranty and anticipated service life
Software support and any servicing or maintenance charges
Then compare the full whole-life cost
Check the proposed AED against the official DfE minimum specification before ordering. Headline price alone does not show value.
CURRENT DFE GUIDANCE
Use the official purchasing route as a benchmark
The current publication is Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): Guidance for schools, January 2025. The purchasing section is on printed page 15 (PDF page index 14).
It describes a reduced-cost purchasing arrangement negotiated by the Department for Education with NHS Supply Chain. Eligible settings include schools, nurseries, playgroups and holiday or out-of-school providers.
Get the current price from the scheme or supplier.Do not rely on an old fixed figure.
Buying through the arrangement is voluntary. Appendix A provides a useful minimum specification when comparing other offers.
Open the January 2025 DfE guidanceCOMPATIBLE CONSUMABLES
British Heart Foundation shop
The BHF online shop lists compatible pads and batteries for several brands. It is useful only when the device is supported and precisely identified; it does not guarantee a compatible part for every discontinued AED.
Browse BHF pads and batteriesEMERGENCY READINESS
Keep The Circuit record current
Register the location, accessibility, model details, pad expiry and ready status. Update the record whenever the AED is taken out of service or returned to readiness.
Go to The CircuitREADY TO SHARE
Use the resource with your staff or governors
Both downloads carry the same checked guidance and First Aid Garage visual identity.