When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, every second counts. According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals each year, either in public settings or at home. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival, and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can improve those odds further.
The Good News
AED access has expanded significantly over the years. More AEDs are being installed in public locations, many of them readily accessible and unlocked for emergency use. Portable AEDs are becoming more available for personal and workplace preparedness (though their cost can still be a barrier for individuals and families).
In addition, modern AEDs are being designed for easier use. Today's devices provide clear voice prompts, visual instructions, and many include features that make them more accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing users. AED technology has been intentionally simplified so that anyone can step in and help during an emergency.
However: The Awareness Gap
Despite increased availability and easier-to-use technology, public AED use remains surprisingly low. Research compiled on out-of-hospital AED usage statistics shows that 42% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests that received bystander CPR did not involve the use of a nearby public AED—even when one was within a one-minute walk.
Even when an AED is located within one minute of a victim, bystander AED use is only about 16%. In public cardiac arrest events, nearly half occur within a four-minute walk of a registered AED. These numbers highlight an important reality: access alone is not enough. Public awareness and confidence are critical.
Just as people know how to recognize street signs, fire extinguishers, or emergency exits, AEDs can become a familiar part of everyday public infrastructure. The more people recognize AED locations and understand their purpose, the more likely they are to be used when they are needed most.
How to Find an AED
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Reviewing public safety layouts or learning how to find AEDs can prepare you to map out your surroundings. Take note of AED locations in places you visit regularly, such as:
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Schools
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Fitness centers
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Community centers
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Shopping centers
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Airports
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Office buildings
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Sporting venues
AEDs are typically marked with clear signage featuring a red heart and lightning bolt symbol. Many are housed in white or brightly colored wall cabinets designed for easy visibility.
Most public-access AEDs should be unlocked and readily available for emergency use. The American Red Cross emphasizes the safety benefits of maintaining unhindered, immediate availability in its guidance on access to store AEDs, stating that security measures should never delay deployment. Some cabinets are equipped with alarms that sound when opened to alert security personnel or staff. If you hear an alarm, don't be concerned—it's there to notify others that an emergency response may be underway.
Use AED Location Apps
Apps such as PulsePoint can help you locate registered AEDs in your area. These tools allow users to identify nearby devices before an emergency occurs and, in some communities, can even alert trained responders when a cardiac arrest is reported.
Call 911 Immediately
If a cardiac emergency occurs, call 911 right away. Emergency dispatchers can provide CPR instructions, direct you to nearby AED locations when available, and send advanced medical help as quickly as possible. Calling 911 should always be your first step in any suspected cardiac arrest emergency.
Familiarity Saves Lives
AEDs are becoming more common, more accessible, and easier to use than ever before. However, increasing public awareness remains one of the biggest opportunities to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.
Take a moment to locate the nearest AED of places you frequent (even your own home!). When you’re somewhere new, take in your surroundings and take note of AED access nearby. That small act of awareness could make a lifesaving difference.
Resources for information:
- AED usage statistics - https://www.tctmd.com/news/even-when-nearby-public-aeds-get-little-use-ohca
- How to find AEDs - https://cprconsultants.com/how-to-find-aed-locations/
- On Access to Store AEDs - https://guidelines.redcross.org/guidelines-database/early-access/