Locked vs. Unlocked AED Cabinets: What’s Best for Your Site?
Ensuring your AED is accessible during an emergency can literally be the difference between life and death. Survival rates drop by approximately 7–10% each minute without CPR or defibrillation, according to the Resuscitation Council UK.
What the Experts Say
The Resuscitation Council UK advises that public-access AEDs should be housed in unlocked cabinets to avoid delays during an emergency.
An ILCOR review found that AED theft and vandalism are uncommon, while some studies suggest locked cabinets may delay AED access by 30–60 seconds in simulation settings.
The British Heart Foundation supports immediate AED access, noting that even minor delays can drastically reduce survival chances.
Risks of Locked Cabinets
Adding barriers like keys or codes can lead to:
- Delays from code retrieval, key errors, or dispatcher wait times
- Technical issues such as keypad failure or battery depletion
- Lost or forgotten codes/keys
- Glass-breaking injuries, as reported in surveys of emergency responders
- No significant reduction in theft risk, based on comparative data
- Increased operational demand tracking access logs, coordinating with emergency services, and maintaining the locking mechanism
Such delays are not just inconvenient; they could be life-threatening. For more guidance on workplace AEDs, storage and compliance, check our guide on “Construction Site AEDs: Workplace Safety and Compliance“.
Advantages of Unlocked Cabinets
- Zero delays, enabling bystanders to act immediately
- Alignment with UK and international guidance endorsed by Resus Council UK, BHF, ILCOR, and ambulance services
- Simpler compliance and auditing: no codes or logs to manage
- Public trust: Clear, visible AEDs signal preparedness and safety.
Explore our AED Cabinets & Signage options for compliant, clearly marked cabinet solutions.
Location-Based Recommendations
While unlocked cabinets are ideal for most environments, there are exceptions:
In high-risk or unsupervised locations, locked cabinets may be considered, but only with:
- Audible alarms or tamper-evident seals
- CCTV monitoring
- Clear emergency signage
- 999 dispatcher code sharing
- Routine maintenance, access drills, and lock testing
Even in these scenarios, the unlocking method must be quick, reliable, and well-integrated into emergency protocols.
Mitigating Theft or Vandalism
To secure AEDs without impeding access:
- Install cabinets in visible, high-traffic areas (e.g., receptions, gym entrances).
- Register devices with The Circuit so emergency responders know their exact location.
- Use tamper-evident seals, door-trigger alarms, and CCTV where necessary.
- Include clear signage: “Defibrillator: Life-Saving Equipment Traceable”
- Regularly inspect and maintain cabinets using our Defibrillator Maintenance Guide.
Final Recommendation
Unlocked, clearly signed AED cabinets should be the default wherever possible to minimise delay and maximise life-saving potential.
If your site demands additional security, ensure any locking system includes:
- Alarm alerts
- Emergency dispatcher coordination
- Reliable and well-practiced access protocols
- Transparent maintenance and training procedures
This approach aligns with recommendations from ILCOR, ResusUK, and UK ambulance services.
For more guidance, explore our guide on Defibrillator Pad & Battery Replacement.
Need Help Choosing the Right Cabinet?
Choosing the right AED cabinet is more than a facilities decision; it’s a life-saving strategy. At Defib Supplies, our expert team can advise you on:
- Selecting locked vs unlocked models
- Meeting compliance and inspection needs
- Matching your risk level with the appropriate safety equipment
Contact our defibrillator advisors for free, no-pressure advice on cabinets, battery and pad compatibility, and building your AED SOP.