The 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines and What They Mean for AED Users

The Resuscitation Council has released the 2025 Resuscitation Guidelines. These updates reinforce the importance of fast recognition of cardiac arrest, high quality CPR and quick access to a defibrillator. For workplaces, schools, sports facilities, and public organisations that have an Automated External Defibrillator, the new guidance strengthens the message that confidence and correct pad placement save lives.

Fast Action Remains the Most Important Factor

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 999 straight away. The call handler will support you throughout. Begin chest compressions immediately. Push firmly in the centre of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. If you are trained and comfortable to do so, rescue breaths remain beneficial. If you are not, chest compressions alone are still recommended.
Immediate CPR keeps oxygen moving to the brain and improves the chances of a successful shock from an AED.

AEDs Must Be Visible and Accessible

The guidelines continue to encourage the wider placement of AEDs in public and workplace settings. Anyone can use one. The device gives clear spoken instructions and will analyse the heart rhythm before deciding whether a shock is required.
To support this, organisations should check:
• The AED is easy to see and reach
• The defibrillator cabinet is unlocked, or access instructions are obvious
• Batteries and pads are in date
• Clear signage directs people to the device quickly

If your AED is not registered on The Circuit, it should be. The Circuit allows 999 call handlers to immediately locate the nearest device when someone calls for help.

Correct Pad Placement Reinforced in the New Guidelines

The 2025 guidelines reiterate the importance of correct pad placement. Pads must always be placed directly onto bare skin. Clothing should be removed quickly and fully. If the casualty is wearing a bra, should be removed so the pads can make full contact with the chest.
Correct placement remains:

• First pad: On the upper right side of the chest, just below the collarbone.
• Second pad: On the left side of the chest under the armpit, placed along the side of the ribcage. This is known as the mid-axillary line.

This positioning allows the electrical current to travel directly through the heart.
Correct placement increases the chance of a successful shock.
The key reminder is:
Pads on skin.
One pad high on the right chest.
One pad under the left armpit.
Full contact.

Stronger Focus on Community Readiness

The guidelines highlight the importance of building confidence in the public to act. This includes:
• Encouraging CPR education in schools
• Supporting awareness programmes in the community
• Normalising AED use as part of everyday safety planning
• Strengthening volunteer responder networks

AEDs save more lives when people know where they are and feel able to use them without hesitation.

What Organisations Should Do Now

To align with the new guidance, we recommend:
• Confirm your AED is easy to find and access
• Check that pads and batteries are in date
• Ensure your AED is registered on The Circuit
• Refresh CPR and AED awareness sessions
• Make sure staff and volunteers understand the correct pad placement under the armpit

Prepared people are confident people. Confidence makes action more likely. Action saves lives.

How Defib Supplies Can Support You

We are here to help you keep your AED ready for use. Our team provides:
• Replacement electrode pads and batteries
• Wall cabinets and clear signage
• Guidance on registering your AED with The Circuit
• Awareness materials for staff and community groups

If you would like to check that your setup fully reflects current best practice, we can assist.