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Frequently asked questions

Why install a defibrillator?

30,000 Australians experience sudden cardiac arrest each year.

A defibrillator (AED) can save lives during a sudden cardiac arrest. Every minute counts, and having an AED on-site means help is immediately available. Easy to use and suitable for anyone, it gives your staff, residents, or visitors the best chance of survival when seconds matter.

Is there liability attached to owning a defibrillator?

In Australia, defibrillators (AEDs) are considered first aid equipment, and using one in an emergency is generally protected under Good Samaritan laws. This means that as long as the device is used in good faith during a genuine medical emergency, you are unlikely to be held legally liable.

To further reduce any risk, it’s recommended to:​

  • Ensure the AED is maintained and regularly checked.

  • Provide basic training or demonstrations to staff or residents.

  • Follow manufacturer guidelines and safety instructions.​

Owning a defibrillator is primarily about saving lives, and proper use and maintenance keep both people and your organization protected.

Is there ongoing maintenance associated with owning a defibrillator?

Owning a defibrillator comes with the responsibility of keeping it properly maintained, compliant, and ready for use.

This includes:

  • Battery checks and replacement – batteries have a limited lifespan and need monitoring.

  • Electrode pad replacement – pads expire and must be replaced on schedule.

  • Inspection and testing – ensuring the device functions correctly and is ready in an emergency.

At Pulse Defibs, we provide annual servicing programs to ensure your AED is kept in working order.

For more information on our annual servicing program, [click here].

What is the lifespan of a defibrillator?

With proper maintenance, a defibrillator should last 10-15 years and our defibrillators come with 7 & 8 year warranties.

Are defibrillators easy to install?

Installation is simple.​

However, we understand that our clients may not have the time or resources to handle installation themselves. That’s why we offer professional installation and device activation services, ensuring your AED is ready to use without any hassle.​​Every Defibrillator we install comes with a FREE 30-minute demonstration. For more information, [click here].

Why don’t we just call an ambulance or use the defibrillator from down the road?

Statistics show that for every minute that passes, a victim's chances of survival decrease by 10%. While publicly accessible community defibrillators are great, time is of the essence. The first step of a successful resuscitation is calling an ambulance. The second step is Immediate treatment with CPR and a defibrillator.It is crucial that a defibrillator is applied to the patient within 3 minutes and retrieving one from a public space is often too time-consuming in an emergency.

Why are some defibrillators cheaper than others?

Not all defibrillators are created equal. Cheaper devices often come with hidden ongoing costs, such as expensive or frequent replacement of consumables, or may lack important features like CPR feedback.

When choosing a defibrillator, it’s usually best to invest a bit more upfront and prioritise:

  • Ease of use & CPR feedback – guides the user through life-saving steps.

  • Adequate shock output – at least 200 Joules.

  • Long-life pads & batteries – ideally 5-year lifespan.

  • Compliance – meets current and future regulations.

  • Supplier support & manufacturer warranty – minimum 7 years recommended.

For more tips on choosing the right defibrillator, [click here].

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Can a defibrillator be used on someone with a pacemaker?

No. Modern defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to only deliver a shock if a person’s heart is in one of two life-threatening rhythms: ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT).

  • If a person’s heart is in a normal rhythm, the device recognises this and will advise “no shock”.

  • People with a pacemaker are generally protected from these dangerous rhythms. If a pacemaker patient does develop VF or VT, it indicates their pacemaker isn’t functioning correctly, and they should be treated as a standard cardiac emergency.

In short, defibrillators are smart, safe, and won’t deliver a shock unnecessarily.

What areas do you service?

Pulse Defibs services all states and territories across Australia & New Zealand. Pricing for installation and servicing in rural and regional locations may vary.

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