When thinking about where to install a defibrillator cabinet, you should choose a prominent location and somewhere that is easily accessible. Make sure that it has an external or an internal power source which can be connected to the actual cabinet. The importance of having an electrical supply is the fact that the cabinet contains a thermostatically-controlled heating element in the lights. A 240 AC current powers the heating element. The heating element, which is thermostatically controlled, automatically fires up at 8 degrees Centigrade. If the temperature inside the cabinet drops below this, the gel-based electrode pads on the defibrillator could freeze. The pads are then less effective when in use.
The Surface
When considering what surface to mount your defibrillator cabinet on, you should always ideally aim for a solid brick. If mounted onto a wooden surface or an unstable fence, for example, it may present problems with the opening. This potentially would lead to difficulty in getting the actual defibrillator out of the cabinet.
As we said before, the cabinet should be IP66 rated. This provides full ingress protection against all weathers, making it water and dust-tight. The light makes the AED inside visible. Therefore you can check it through the viewing window to see that the actual defibrillator is still in a serviceable condition and ready to be used if required. Some cabinets will also have a magnetic light. You can remove the light and use it as a torch when assisting the patient if required. Cabinets where the light is permanently on act as a beacon in the dark, making them easier to see. Things like this will help you choose where best it would be to install the cabinet.
ProTrainings have a free video online course on installing an AED cabinet.
For more information on training courses, visit our “Courses” page which also includes our First Responder and First Person on Scene (FPOS) Courses.