People should not worry about Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) being offered in unlocked cabinets for several reasons:
Accessibility During Emergencies: In an emergency, every second counts. Unlocked cabinets ensure that AEDs are quickly and easily accessible when needed, potentially saving lives by reducing the time it takes to start life-saving procedures. In most cases, a second person would have to call emergency services to get the code to unlock a locked cabinet, which wastes valuable time.
Low Risk of Theft or Vandalism: Despite concerns, AEDs are rarely stolen or vandalised. The value of an AED is primarily in its medical use, which limits its appeal to thieves. Additionally, the public nature of most AED locations deters potential vandals or thieves.
Public Awareness and Trust: Making AEDs readily accessible promotes public awareness and trust in emergency preparedness. It signals that community safety is a priority and encourages more people to learn how to use AEDs, increasing the likelihood of effective intervention during cardiac emergencies.
Encouraging Public Use: Easy access encourages bystanders to act during a cardiac emergency. If people feel that an AED is locked away or difficult to access, they might hesitate, reducing the chances of a successful resuscitation.
Reduced Vandalism Risk: Interestingly, locked cabinets can attract vandals who see the locked device as a challenge or target. Unlocked cabinets reduce this temptation, as the AED is seen as a standard, non-valuable public resource.
By keeping AEDs in unlocked cabinets, communities prioritise immediate access and the potential to save lives over the relatively low risk of misuse.
