About defibrillators

A defibrillator is a device that sends a high energy electric shock, also known as defibrillation, to someone's heart when they're in cardiac arrest. It can help to restore the heart’s rhythm and get it beating normally again.

A defibrillator may also be called a defib, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator)

Use the Defib Finder to find your nearest defibrillator by entering a postcode or town. You'll only see defibrillators that are registered on The Circuit.

Statutory consents

You do not usually need planning permission to install a defibrillator but you may need consent if:

  • a building is listed for its architectural or historic interest
  • you propose to mount a defibrillator externally on a building within a conservation area

To check the status of the building, use our interactive map of conservation and heritage assets.

For more information, you can contact a Conservation Officer:
paul.hartley@stockport.gov.uk or fiona.albarracin@stockport.gov.uk.

Resources

Things to consider when buying a defibrillator

Visit St John Ambulance's website to find their Defibrillator Guide for First Time Buyers. This includes the things you need to consider when buying and installing a defibrillator for your workplace or community.

Funding

You could be eligible for funding to help towards the cost of purchasing, installing and maintaining your defibrillator. Here are some organisations/charities that that offer funding:

Learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator

CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure, performed when someone's heart stops beating. Giving CPR and using a defibrillator can more than double someone’s chance of survival.

You can learn CPR and how to use a defibrillator by doing the British Heart Foundation’s RevivR online training course. It takes just 15 minutes to complete and all you need is a mobile phone or tablet and a cushion.