AED available for use in a workplace in Ireland

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) quickly on someone experiencing cardiac arrest can make an enormous difference. More and more organisations are wondering whether they are legally required to have an AED. This includes companies, sports clubs and residential management companies. In this blog, we explain the rules and recommendations for Ireland.

Is an AED legally required?

In Ireland, there is no general legal requirement to have an AED. There is no law requiring companies, sports clubs or residential management companies to install an AED. However, more and more organisations are choosing to do so voluntarily because they want to take responsibility for the safety of their employees, members or residents.

In specific sectors or situations, an AED may be strongly recommended or included in guidelines, for example in high-risk professions or at locations where large numbers of people gather.

Companies and AEDs

Companies are not legally required to have an AED. However, under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, every employer is required to ensure that adequate first aid arrangements are in place, including appointing trained First Aid Responders and providing appropriate first aid equipment.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) Guidelines on First Aid at Places of Work state that it is good practice for companies to invest in AEDs, especially for companies:

- with many employees or visitors,
- at locations where emergency services may have difficulty arriving quickly,
- in industries with increased health risks.

Fortunately, first aid responders are already trained to use AEDs as part of their first aid courses and refreshers, so having a trained team in place makes an AED even more effective. In Ireland, it is not mandatory to report the location of your AED to any authority, but doing so can help ensure it is found quickly in an emergency. For this reason, more and more employers are voluntarily choosing to purchase an AED for their company.

Dental practices and AEDs

Dental practices are a notable exception to the general rule. Under the Dental Council of Ireland's Code of Practice regarding Management of Medical Emergencies (May 2023), an automated external defibrillator with adhesive pads is explicitly listed as part of the minimum equipment that must be available in any dental setting.

Because this Code of Practice comes from the Dental Council, the statutory body that registers and regulates all dentists in Ireland, it carries more weight than a general recommendation. Practising below the standard it sets out could put a dentist's compliance and registration at risk, which makes this one of the clearest cases of an AED being, in practice, required rather than simply advised.

In short: for dental practices, an AED isn't optional. It's an explicit requirement under the profession's own regulatory Code of Practice.

Sports clubs and AEDs

The situation is slightly different for sports clubs. Although there is no legal requirement, an AED is strongly recommended at sports clubs and fitness facilities. Cardiac arrest can occur during intensive exercise, often due to an underlying heart condition that was previously unknown.

Because every second counts in such a situation, the rapid use of an AED can make all the difference. The GAA, FAI and other sports organisations strongly encourage the availability of AEDs at clubs and grounds.

Some local authorities and sports bodies offer grants or funding schemes to help sports clubs purchase an AED. Therefore, always check with your county council or national governing body to see whether any options are available.

Having an AED in the clubhouse or near the pitches gives both athletes and spectators peace of mind. Discover the options for an AED at sports clubs here.

Residential management companies and AEDs

There is also no legal requirement for residential management companies (Owners' Management Companies) to have an AED. Nevertheless, it can be a sensible choice to install an AED in an apartment complex, especially when many of the residents are older.

A suitable location is often the main entrance or the car park, so that the AED is accessible to all residents.

Some management companies choose to share the costs through the annual service charge. This makes purchasing an AED more accessible and not only increases safety but also strengthens the sense of community among residents.

Read more about AEDs for residential management companies and which models we recommend here.

Who can use an AED in Ireland?

In Ireland, anyone can use an AED, regardless of whether they have received training. The Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2011 protects those who assist in good faith during an emergency. While CPR and AED training is encouraged, it is not a legal requirement, and emergency dispatchers will talk a caller through CPR and defibrillator use over the phone if needed.

An AED: not an obligation, but a responsibility

There is therefore no legal requirement to have an AED, but for companies, sports clubs and residential management companies, it is often a logical and responsible choice. An AED saves lives, especially because rapid deployment within the first few minutes is crucial in the event of cardiac arrest. The more accessible the AED is, the greater the chance that someone can be saved.

Are you considering an AED for your organisation? Take a look at our complete range of AEDs and outdoor AED cabinets to make sure you are properly prepared!