Automated External Defibrillator (AED): Act before help arrives
In the event of a cardiac arrest, every minute without intervention reduces the chances of survival by 10%. Ambulances take an average of 8 to 12 minutes to arrive.
With an automated external defibrillator used within the first 3 to 5 minutes, the survival rate can reach 75%.
This is not an abstract medical figure; it's the difference between acting and waiting.
How does an AED work?
An automated external defibrillator is designed to be used by anyone, without medical training. The device guides the user step-by-step through clear voice instructions, in French and English.
It analyzes the heart rhythm itself, determines if an electric shock is necessary, and only delivers it when it is.
You don't have to decide; the AED decides for you. Your role: turn it on, follow the instructions, and act.
The Philips HeartStart: reliable, simple, certified
The Philips HeartStart defibrillator is one of the most widely deployed models in North America. Here's why it's SuperMedic's choice:
- Bilingual FR/EN instructions integrated: essential in Canada
- Health Canada certified: licensed medical device, compliant with Canadian regulatory requirements
- Light and portable: easily transportable, installable in any environment
- Real-time CPR guidance: the device indicates the rhythm and depth of compressions
- Ready in less than 8 seconds: as soon as the lid is opened, the AED automatically activates
Philips adult replacement pads should be changed every 2 years and accounted for in your maintenance budget.
The actual cost of an AED over 5 years
Investing doesn't stop at purchasing the device. Here's what you need to plan for:
| Poste | Fréquence | Coût approximatif |
|---|---|---|
| Défibrillateur Philips HeartStart | Achat unique | 1 899,99 $ |
| Électrodes de remplacement (adulte) | Tous les 2 ans | 117,00 $ |
| Batterie | Selon usage (~3 à 4 ans) | Variable |
| Total estimé sur 5 ans | — | ~2 133 $ |
That's about $35 per month to be equipped with a certified, ready-to-use device that can save a life.
Are you required to have an MBA in your company?
Let's be direct: in Canada, no federal law obliges employers to install a defibrillator in their workplace. Some provinces go further (British Columbia and Manitoba mandate AEDs in designated public places), but there is no universal national standard.
That said, two realities deserve consideration:
- Moral responsibility: If a cardiac arrest occurs on your premises and no AED was available, the question arises—could you have prevented it?
- Emerging legal expectations: Several provinces are gradually expanding their obligations. What is voluntary today could become mandatory tomorrow.
Are you in Quebec? The Accès DEA program offers free defibrillators to organizations, businesses, and public places that request them. Find out more before purchasing.
Consult our workplace regulations page for provincial details.
Where to install your AED?
The golden rule: your defibrillator must be accessible within 3 minutes from anywhere in your building. In concrete terms, this means:
- Installing the AED in a high-traffic area (entrance, main corridor, break room)
- Clearly signposting it with a visible display
- Avoiding locked premises or infrequently visited spaces
- For large buildings or multiple floors: planning for several units
A wall cabinet with an alarm protects the device while making it immediately noticeable.
FAQ — AED Defibrillator
What is an automated external defibrillator (AED)?
What is an automated external defibrillator (AED)?
An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is a portable medical device designed to treat cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation.
It delivers a controlled electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Unlike hospital defibrillators, an AED is designed for use by non-professionals: it guides the user step-by-step with voice prompts, analyzes the heart rhythm itself, and only delivers a shock when necessary.
In Canada, the terms DEA, DAE (in French), and AED (in English) refer to the same device.
Is it mandatory to have a defibrillator in my company in Canada?
Is it mandatory to have a defibrillator in my company in Canada?
No, there is currently no federal Canadian law that requires employers to install an AED in their workplace. However, some provinces do mandate AEDs in specific public places: British Columbia and Manitoba have adopted legislation to this effect.
In Quebec, dentists are required to have one. For all other businesses, installation remains voluntary but highly recommended, especially in high-density areas.
Consult our regulations page for the obligations applicable to your province.
Is training required to use an AED?
Is training required to use an AED?
No, an AED can be used without prior training; this is precisely the purpose of these devices. Voice instructions guide the user through each step, from electrode placement to shock delivery.
That said, CPR and AED training significantly improves the effectiveness of the intervention: actions are faster, more precise, and panic is better managed.
Training at least one member of your team is highly recommended.
Why choose the Philips HeartStart over another model?
Why choose the Philips HeartStart over another model?
The Philips HeartStart is one of the most widely deployed models in North America for several reasons: integrated bilingual French/English voice instructions, automatic activation when the lid is opened, real-time CPR guidance, and Health Canada certification.
It is renowned for its ease of use, robustness, and the reliability of its components.
It is the ideal choice for Canadian businesses looking for a certified, easy-to-maintain device that is locally available with accessible replacement electrodes.
Are there financial aid options for obtaining a DEA in Canada?
Are there financial aid options for obtaining a DEA in Canada?
Yes. In Quebec, the Accès DEA program offers free defibrillators to community organizations, businesses, and public places that request them.
This program, supported by the Jacques-de-Champlain Foundation, aims to improve access to AEDs throughout the province.
If you are eligible, it is advisable to apply for one before making any purchase. In other provinces, some municipal or sectoral programs offer one-off grants; inquire with your municipality or provincial health and safety organization.
Where should a defibrillator be installed in a building?
Where should a defibrillator be installed in a building?
The golden rule: the AED must be accessible in less than 3 minutes from any point in the building.
Prioritize high-traffic areas such as the main entrance, central corridor, break room, or cafeteria. Clearly mark it with a visible sign.
Avoid locked rooms, storage areas, or infrequently visited spaces. For multi-story or large buildings, multiple units are recommended.
A wall cabinet with an alarm protects the device while making it immediately identifiable in an emergency.
CPR + AED Training: equipment and procedures
An AED alone is not enough. Maximum effectiveness is achieved by combining the device with properly executed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Our CPR and AED training courses are available across Canada, in French and English, for individuals and corporate teams. Training your employees triples the impact of your defibrillator.
Complete your safety equipment
- Our CSA-compliant first aid kits: the essentials for acting before the AED
- Our first aid supplies: bandages, gloves, CPR mask
- Our intervention tools: for designated first responders
A question? Need a quote for multiple sites?
Are you equipping several workplaces, a school, a sports center, or a residential building? Contact our team, we will help you choose the right equipment, plan the installation, and organize training for your teams across Canada.