What is an AED?

When someone’s heart suddenly stops pumping effectively, waiting for an ambulance alone is often not enough. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is the portable device built for that gap: it checks whether a shockable rhythm is present and, if needed, delivers a controlled electric shock while bystanders keep CPR going.

You do not need to be a doctor or nurse to use a public AED in Singapore. The device talks you through each step. What matters most is calling 995, starting CPR if you can, and getting an AED to the person quickly.

What is an automated external defibrillator?

An AED is a battery-powered medical device designed for people with little or no clinical training. It analyses the heart’s electrical activity through adhesive pads on the chest.

If the rhythm is one that a shock can treat (commonly ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia), the AED charges and tells you when to press the shock button, or delivers the shock automatically on some models. If the rhythm is not shockable, it will not shock. That built-in analysis is why public AEDs are considered safe for bystander use when you follow the prompts.

AEDs are different from the defibrillators used in hospitals and ambulances. Those advanced units offer more manual control for trained clinicians. A public AED is simpler on purpose: fewer choices, clearer instructions, fewer ways to go wrong under stress.

Sudden cardiac arrest vs a heart attack

People often mix these up. For the full symptom lists and “what to do” for each pathway, read cardiac arrest vs heart attack explained for Singaporeans.

Sudden cardiac arrest means the heart’s electrical system fails and effective pumping stops. The person collapses, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally. Without CPR and, when indicated, defibrillation, survival falls fast.

A heart attack is usually a circulation problem: a blocked coronary artery damages heart muscle. Someone having a heart attack may stay conscious and talk. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, but they are not the same event, and the first aid priority differs.

Public AEDs are for suspected cardiac arrest (unresponsive, abnormal or no breathing), not for every chest pain episode. When in doubt, call 995 and follow dispatcher instructions.

Why public AEDs matter in Singapore

Defibrillation works best when it happens early. Every minute without effective CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of a good outcome. That is why Singapore places AEDs in malls, MRT stations, schools, offices, community spaces, and other high-traffic sites, and why SCDF maintains a national public-access registry.

Knowing that a device exists nearby is only useful if you can find it under pressure. Building security, floor plans, and operating hours all matter. Learning the AED nearest to home, work, and your usual MRT stop is practical preparation, not paranoia.

Who can use a public AED?

Anyone who can follow voice and screen prompts can use a public AED. You are not expected to diagnose the rhythm yourself. The machine does that.

You still need judgement about scene safety: wet floors, moving traffic, fire, or electrical hazards. If the person is lying in water, move them to a dry area before attaching pads when it is safe to do so. Remove metal jewellery from the pad sites if it interferes, and dry the chest if sweaty or wet so pads stick.

Children and infants may need paediatric pads or a paediatric mode when the AED provides them. Adult pads are still used in many public kits when paediatric options are unavailable; follow the device prompts and any printed instructions in the case.

This site’s guides are educational. They are not a substitute for a formal CPR and AED course, where you practise compressions, pad placement, and role assignment with feedback.

What a public AED typically includes

Most wall-mounted or cabinet units hold:

• The AED itself (power button, speaker, screen on many models)
• Adult electrode pads (and sometimes paediatric pads)
• Scissors to cut clothing
• A razor to clear chest hair if pads will not stick
• Gloves and a towel or gauze to dry skin
• A breathing barrier in some kits

Open the cabinet, take the whole kit to the casualty, and power the unit on. Do not leave the pads behind at the wall.

Public AEDs vs myResponder in an emergency

myResponder is SCDF’s channel for community responders and live guidance. In a real emergency, call 995 first and prefer myResponder for the freshest official map and volunteer activation.

AEDLocator is a searchable web directory built from the SCDF Public Access AEDs open dataset. Use it to learn where devices are listed before you need one: floor cues, building names, postal codes, and hours when the source provides them. Read how we source data for what we show and what we never invent.

Common myths about AEDs

“I’ll get sued if I help.” Singapore’s focus is on getting bystanders to act. Fear of liability should not stop you from calling 995 and following dispatcher and AED prompts. Formal training still helps, but lack of a certificate is not a reason to do nothing.

“The AED might shock someone who doesn’t need it.” Modern AEDs analyse rhythm before advising a shock. If a shock is not indicated, the device will not tell you to deliver one.

“Someone else will handle it.” In crowded places, diffusion of responsibility is real. Point at a specific person: “You in the blue shirt, call 995. You, get the AED from the security desk.”

“I should wait for the ambulance before touching anything.” Early CPR and early defibrillation are part of the chain of survival. Waiting silently is the worst default when the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Next reading

• Cardiac arrest vs heart attack: symptoms and what to do for each
• How to use an AED: power on, pads, stand clear, continue CPR
• What to do before an ambulance arrives: roles, scene safety, 995
• Where AEDs are commonly found in Singapore: malls, MRT, offices, HDB, and more
• Why AED access depends on opening hours: listed does not always mean reachable at 2 a.m.

FAQ: AEDs in Singapore

Do I need training to use a public AED?

No medical licence is required. Voice prompts guide you. Training still improves CPR quality and confidence, so a community CPR/AED course is worth taking when you can.

Will an AED restart every stopped heart?

No. Only certain rhythms respond to defibrillation. Even then, CPR, oxygen delivery by professionals, and hospital care remain essential. The AED’s job is to treat shockable rhythms early, not to replace the ambulance.

Are hotel or office AEDs “public”?

Many appear in the national public-access registry and are intended for use during an emergency on the premises. Access still depends on whether you can reach the device: lobby hours, security desks, and after-hours locks. Check operating hours on each listing.

Where can I look up AED locations near me?

Search AEDLocator by building, postal code, MRT, mall, or planning area. For a live emergency, call 995 and use myResponder rather than browsing a website.