A defibrillator often referred to as an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) is a small device that gives a safe electric shock to someone having a sudden cardiac arrest, increasing their chance of survival by 44 per cent.

Locate an AED by putting your location into this map.

Quick help 

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally:

  • Start CPR and Call 111 for an ambulance.
  • Send someone to get a defibrillator.
  • Turn on the defibrillator, apply the pads and follow the voice instructions. 
  • Perform CPR until the ambulance arrives. 

 

Performing CPR

CPR for adults

Learn what to do if someone requires CPR.

 LEARN MORE 

CPR for children less than 8 years old

Learn what to do if a child collapses and you need to perform CPR.

 LEARN MORE 

CPR for babies less than 1 year old

Learn how to perform CPR if a baby's heart stops beating.

 LEARN MORE 

Who can use a defibrillator?

Anyone can use a defibrillator. You don't need any special training, and the defibrillator itself will give you clear instructions, but it's good to be prepared anyway. This video will show you each step in the process. 

How does a defibrillator (AED) work?

When someone has a cardiac arrest, their heart stops pumping blood around the body, a defibrillator will read the heart's rhythm and give an electric shock to help get the rhythm back to normal. 

How to tell if someone is having a cardiac arrest

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally then they are in cardiac arrest. 

  • Unresponsive (unconscious): The patient won't respond when you try to talk to them or squeeze their shoulder. 

  •  The patient might be making slow gasping noises which is not normal breathing, or they may have no breathing at all. 

Buy a defibrillator for your work or community

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Aotearoa. Having a defibrillator within quick reach can be the difference between life and death. Make sure your workplace or community is prepared by purchasing a defibrillator and accessories, including replacement batteries, pads, signage, and storage options. 

  Buy an AED today 

Know where your closest defibrillator is

Search your location to find your nearest defibrillator.

  Search now 

Register your defibrillator

Register your defibrillator with us, and we'll let you know when it's time to change the battery or pads. This way, it will always be ready for action!

 Register now 

AED Locations

There's one more way to register your AED / defibrillator. You can list it at 'AED Locations', which connects to an app showing over 12,000  defibrillators. This site isn't run by us, so it's important you register with us first. 

REGISTER WITH AED LOCATIONS

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