AED in the workplace: why equip your business in 2026

Reading time: approximately 4 minutes

Imagine this: a colleague suddenly collapses in the meeting room. Every second counts. It's in that precise moment that a workplace AED can make all the difference between life and death. In Canada, approximately 60,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year — one every nine minutes — and the workplace is not immune.

What is an AED and why it saves lives

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes a victim's heart rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat. It is designed to be used by anyone, even without medical training: the device guides the user step-by-step with clear voice instructions.

The numbers speak for themselves: for every minute that passes without defibrillation, the survival rate decreases by 7 to 10%. Conversely, combining CPR and AED in the first few minutes can increase the chances of survival by 75% or more. When a lay rescuer administers a shock with an AED, the chances of survival can be multiplied by five.

Ambulances take an average of 6 to 7 minutes to arrive on the scene. With an accessible AED in your company, you don't lose those precious minutes.

👉 Explore our selection of AEDs for businesses on SuperMedic

Is it mandatory to have an AED at work in Quebec?

In Quebec, there is not yet a general legal obligation for employers to install an AED in the workplace. However, the regulatory trend in Canada is evolving rapidly.

Here's what's happening elsewhere in the country:

• Manitoba and British Columbia: the law requires owners of designated public places (arenas, airports, schools, golf courses) to install, register, and display AEDs.
• Ontario: similar legislation has been adopted and is in the process of coming into effect.
• Federal: no general obligation for now, but the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) strongly recommends the installation of AEDs as part of a comprehensive first aid program.
• Quebec (from October 2025): new occupational health and safety obligations (modernized OHS Act) require companies with 20 or more employees to have a prevention program. Risk assessment including medical emergencies is part of this.

In short: even if an AED is not yet explicitly required by law in Quebec, not having one represents a human and civil liability risk that few employers wish to take. The cost of an AED is much lower than the cost of a life.

Where to install your AED for maximum effectiveness

The location of an AED is as important as the device itself. The golden rule: every employee must be able to reach the AED and return to the victim's side in less than 3 minutes.

Here are some principles to follow for installation:

• Choose a visible and accessible location at all times (main hallway, break room, entrance)
• Avoid locked or hard-to-access areas
• Display clear signage at each entrance and near the device
• In large spaces (warehouses, factories), plan for multiple units depending on the area
• Ensure the location is known to all employees

For medium-sized offices, a well-positioned AED generally covers a radius of 50 to 60 meters.

AED maintenance: what to check regularly

A neglected AED is a useless AED. The good news is that maintenance is simple and not very demanding. Most modern devices perform a daily automatic self-diagnosis and signal any problems with an indicator light or an audible signal.

Here is a recommended maintenance routine:

• Monthly: check that the status light is green, that the device is properly in place, and that the pads and battery are not expired
• Annually: complete inspection by a technician, preventive replacement of consumables (electrodes, battery)
• After each use: immediately replace the electrodes and check the general condition of the device
• Keep a dated and signed verification log

Health Canada also recommends following manufacturer guidelines and keeping a spare battery handy.

Anyone can use an AED — here's how

This is one of the biggest myths to demystify: you don't need to be a nurse or paramedic to use an AED. The device analyzes the heart rhythm itself and only delivers a shock if it is truly necessary. It is impossible to accidentally injure someone.

In case of cardiac arrest, here are the steps to follow:

• Call 911 immediately
• Begin CPR (chest compressions)
• Ask someone to get the AED
• Turn on the device and follow the voice instructions
• Continue until help arrives

Although training is not mandatory to use an AED, it is strongly recommended. First aid and CPR training makes your team more effective and confident in an emergency situation.

👉 Complete your preparation with our workplace first aid kits

Take action with SuperMedic

Equipping your workplace with an AED is taking concrete action for the safety of your employees, customers, and visitors. In a context where nearly half of cardiac arrests occur in people under 65, no one is safe.

You don't have to wait for a law to oblige you. Companies that act now protect their team and reduce their exposure to real risks — both human and legal.

SuperMedic offers Health Canada approved AEDs and all the first aid equipment your business needs, delivered directly to your door.

👉 Find the right AED for your workplace on SuperMedic

This article is for educational purposes only. In case of emergency, call 911.