Where Are AEDs Located?

When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation decreases their chance of survival. Knowing where to find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can help save a life.

Public-access AEDs are typically stored in highly visible wall cabinets marked with an AED symbol—a red or green heart with a lightning bolt. They are commonly found in:

Airports
Shopping malls
Schools and universities
Community centres
Arenas and recreation facilities
Office buildings
Manufacturing facilities
Hotels
Churches
Fitness centres
Government buildings
Retirement homes
Sports facilities

Organizations such as St. John Ambulance Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada advocate for widespread AED deployment because using an AED together with immediate CPR dramatically improves survival rates.

If you're unable to locate an AED during an emergency, call 911 immediately. Depending on your community, the dispatcher may be able to direct you to a nearby registered AED while emergency responders are on the way.

How to Recognize an AED

AEDs are usually kept in wall-mounted cabinets with clear emergency signage. Look for:

❤️ A heart with a lightning bolt
The letters AED
Directional signs pointing to the device

Modern AEDs are designed for anyone to use and provide step-by-step voice instructions throughout a rescue.

Related Reading:

Where Can You Purchase an AED?

AEDs can be purchased from specialized medical equipment providers such as AED.ca. Buying from a dedicated AED company ensures you receive:

Health Canada-approved devices
Expert product recommendations
Ongoing customer support
Replacement pads and batteries
Professional inspection and maintenance services
Workplace compliance guidance

Learn more:

Who Can Purchase an AED?

Anyone can purchase an AED in Canada.

There is no special licence or certification required. AEDs are commonly purchased by:

Businesses
Schools
Churches
Sports organizations
Municipalities
Medical clinics
Condominium corporations
Farms
Cottage owners
Families with individuals at higher risk of cardiac arrest

Owning an AED provides peace of mind and can significantly improve the chances of survival during a cardiac emergency.

Keep Your AED Rescue Ready

Finding an AED is only part of the solution—it must also be properly maintained.

AED.ca's Full-Service AED Maintenance Plan helps organizations keep their AEDs rescue ready through scheduled inspections, replacement pads and batteries before expiry, digital maintenance records, compliance documentation, and priority support.

Learn more about our maintenance program:
https://aed.ca/pages/aed-maintenance

About AED.ca

AED.ca is one of Canada's leading providers of Automated External Defibrillators, workplace AED programs, inspections, and maintenance services. We help businesses, schools, municipalities, healthcare organizations, and community groups across Canada prepare for sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.

From selecting the right AED to ongoing maintenance and compliance support, AED.ca is committed to helping ensure every AED is ready when it's needed most.

Visit https://aed.ca to learn more.

About Martin Andrews

Martin Andrews is the President of AED.ca and a recognized Canadian expert in workplace AED programs, AED maintenance, and emergency preparedness. He has helped thousands of organizations across Canada implement life-saving AED solutions and advocates for improving public access to defibrillators through education, awareness, and proactive maintenance.

Martin regularly shares practical guidance on AED ownership, inspections, workplace safety, and cardiac emergency preparedness to help Canadian organizations create safer workplaces and communities.