Renting vs Buying a Defibrillator
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) happens when the heart unexpectedly stops beating. In the UK, it causes more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cases each year, and survival rates remain low without rapid intervention. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Defibrillators are designed to be simple and safe to use, even by non-medical staff. They provide clear voice instructions and only deliver a shock when needed. Quick access to one can double or even triple survival chances, according to the British Heart Foundation.
For businesses, community groups, schools, and public spaces, having an AED available is no longer considered optional. The key question is whether to buy outright or rent, each route has its own financial and practical implications.
Did You Know? Every minute without defibrillation reduces a person’s chance of survival by around 10%.
The Costs of Buying a Defibrillator
Purchasing a defibrillator involves a significant upfront investment. Entry-level automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for public or workplace use typically cost between £800 and £1,200. Higher-specification devices, with features such as paediatric modes, bilingual voice prompts, or advanced monitoring, can cost more.
In addition to the initial purchase, there are ongoing expenses:
Electrode pads: These are single-use and expire after 2–4 years, costing around £40–£100 per set.
Batteries: AED batteries generally last 3–5 years and cost £100–£200 to replace.
Servicing and maintenance: Some models require regular inspections or software updates, which may incur additional fees.
Cabinets or storage units: If the AED is to be placed in a public area, an external heated cabinet can add £400–£600 to the total cost.
Buying may be more cost-effective in the long term for organisations with stable budgets and a plan to manage replacements and maintenance. However, for smaller businesses or community groups, the upfront expense can be a barrier to access.
Observation: In many workplaces, bought defibrillators sit unused for years. When the battery or pads eventually expire, organisations sometimes discover replacements are costly or forgotten, leaving the device unusable when needed.
The Costs and Features of Renting a Defibrillator
Renting a defibrillator offers a more affordable way to provide access without the upfront capital costs. At Defib Space, rental packages start from £1 a day, making them accessible for small businesses, schools, and community groups.
A rental package usually includes more than just the device itself:
No upfront purchase cost - only a fixed daily or monthly fee.
Inclusive maintenance - regular checks, servicing, and replacements are covered.
Free replacement of pads and batteries - whenever they expire or are used.
24/7 support - guidance and troubleshooting when needed.
Flexibility - the option to upgrade to newer models if technology advances.
Public access support - cabinets, signage, and advice on placement can be included.
This all-inclusive model helps organisations avoid unexpected expenses. It also ensures the AED is always ready for use, as pads and batteries are monitored and replaced automatically under the rental agreement.
For many, the key appeal of renting is financial predictability. Instead of facing a large initial outlay and periodic replacement costs, organisations can budget a small fixed amount each month.
Did You Know? In the UK, many ambulance services maintain defibrillator registries. Rental providers often manage this registration on your behalf, ensuring your AED is visible to emergency call handlers.
Comparing Renting vs Buying
When deciding whether to rent or buy a defibrillator, it helps to weigh the financial, practical, and operational differences.
Upfront Cost vs Cashflow
Buying requires a one-off payment, often £800–£1,200 or more.
Renting spreads the cost into manageable daily or monthly payments, starting from £1 a day.
Maintenance and Servicing
Buying places responsibility on the owner for pad and battery replacement, servicing, and updates.
Renting usually includes these as part of the package, reducing administration and hidden costs.
Flexibility and Upgrades
Buying locks you into one model until you replace it.
Renting allows upgrades when new technology becomes available or if your organisation’s needs change.
Liability and Compliance
Buying requires you to register the AED with your local ambulance service and ensure it is properly maintained.
Renting providers typically handle registration, compliance checks, and provide guidance on placement.
Long-Term Cost
Buying may work out cheaper if the AED is used and maintained over 8–10 years.
Renting ensures predictable costs but may be more expensive if continued indefinitely without reassessment.
Observation: Many community groups prefer renting because they do not have trained staff or volunteers available to handle ongoing checks and replacements. Businesses with dedicated health and safety budgets may find ownership more manageable.
When Renting Makes More Sense
Renting a defibrillator is often the better option for organisations that want accessibility without the burden of ownership. It is especially suited to:
Small businesses and charities that cannot afford a large upfront purchase.
Community groups and schools where budgets are tight and predictable costs are essential.
Event organisers who only need an AED for short-term use.
Organisations with limited staff capacity to monitor expiry dates, order parts, or schedule servicing.
Sites with changing requirements, such as construction projects or temporary facilities.
The key advantage of renting is that it removes uncertainty. Maintenance, battery and pad replacement, and registration are all included. This ensures the device remains operational at all times without additional management from the user.
Did You Know? Around 80% of sudden cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals, often in workplaces, schools, or public areas. Renting AEDs helps increase coverage in places that might otherwise go without due to cost concerns.
When Buying Makes More Sense
Buying a defibrillator may be the better choice for organisations with stable budgets and long-term planning in place. It is most suitable for:
Large businesses and institutions that can absorb the upfront cost.
Organisations with a permanent location and no expectation of moving or changing needs.
Sites with existing health and safety teams capable of handling maintenance, monitoring expiry dates, and managing replacements.
Local authorities or healthcare providers who already operate established medical equipment management systems.
Ownership can be more cost-effective if the device is properly maintained over its full life cycle, typically 8–10 years. After the initial purchase, the only ongoing costs are pads, batteries, and any servicing required.
However, the responsibility for keeping the AED operational lies entirely with the owner. If batteries expire unnoticed or pads are out of date, the device may not work when required. This risk means buying is most appropriate where there are resources and systems in place to manage compliance.
Observation: In well-resourced workplaces, purchasing may integrate smoothly into existing equipment budgets. For smaller organisations without structured oversight, renting can reduce risk.
How Defib Space’s Rental Service Works
Defib Space offers defibrillator rental packages designed to make access simple and affordable. Starting from £1 a day, our service provides a complete solution that removes the hidden costs and responsibilities often associated with AED ownership.
A typical rental package includes:
Automated external defibrillator (AED) - modern, user-friendly devices suitable for untrained users.
Pads and batteries included - with automatic replacement whenever they expire or are used.
Maintenance and support - regular checks and 24/7 assistance to ensure your device is always ready.
Replacement cover - if the AED is damaged, lost, or used in an emergency, we provide a replacement at no extra cost.
Registration and compliance - we handle ambulance service registration and provide guidance on placement.
Optional extras - such as external cabinets and clear signage for public spaces.
This service is designed to provide peace of mind for organisations that want the assurance of having a working AED without having to budget for ongoing consumables or unexpected servicing.
Did You Know? The Resuscitation Council UK recommends that all workplaces consider having a defibrillator, highlighting that AEDs are now regarded as standard equipment rather than specialist medical devices.
Decision Checklist: What You Should Ask / Compare
When deciding whether to rent or buy a defibrillator, it helps to ask a few practical questions:
Budget: Do you have funds available for an upfront purchase, or do you need to spread the cost?
Maintenance: Who will be responsible for checking batteries and pads, and arranging replacements?
Flexibility: Are your needs likely to change (e.g. temporary sites, relocations, events)?
Support: Do you want ongoing technical support, or do you have internal staff who can manage this?
Compliance: Who will register the AED with the local ambulance service and keep records updated?
Longevity: Is the device likely to be used or maintained for 8–10 years, or would a flexible rental plan suit better?
Hidden Costs: Have you factored in the cost of pads, batteries, cabinets, and servicing if you buy outright?
A structured comparison helps organisations choose the most practical and cost-effective route. Many find that rental offers financial predictability and reassurance, while buying works best for larger organisations with dedicated resources.
Observation: Some organisations begin with rental to ensure coverage, then choose to buy once their budgets and procedures are firmly established.
Summary / Recommendation
Both renting and buying a defibrillator provide essential protection against sudden cardiac arrest, but the right choice depends on your organisation’s size, budget, and resources.
Buying suits larger organisations with steady budgets and the ability to manage maintenance, replacements, and compliance. Over time, it may be the more economical choice if the AED is properly maintained.
Renting is ideal for smaller businesses, schools, charities, and temporary sites. It avoids upfront costs, includes all servicing and replacements, and ensures the device is always ready for use at a predictable cost, starting from just £1 a day with Defib Space.
For many organisations, rental offers the simplest and most reliable way to ensure defibrillator access. However, buying remains a strong option where budgets and oversight are secure. The key is to weigh financial and operational responsibilities carefully.
Did You Know? Research shows that public access defibrillators are used in fewer than 5% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, but when they are used, survival rates increase significantly. Expanding access through rental or purchase helps close this gap.
FAQ
How much does a defibrillator cost to buy?
Most workplace or community-use AEDs cost between £800 and £1,200, with additional costs for pads, batteries, and storage.
How much does it cost to rent a defibrillator?
Defib Space offers rental packages from £1 a day, with pads, batteries, and servicing included.
Do I need training to use an AED?
No. AEDs are designed for untrained users. They provide voice instructions and will only deliver a shock if needed.
What happens if a rented defibrillator is used?
Defib Space supplies a replacement immediately, including fresh pads and batteries, at no extra cost.
Do rented AEDs need to be registered?
Yes. AEDs should be registered with your local ambulance service. Defib Space handles registration on your behalf as part of the rental package.
Can I rent a defibrillator for a short period, such as an event?
Yes. Short-term rental options are available for events, temporary sites, or projects.
How long do AEDs last if I buy one?
AEDs typically last 8–10 years, but pads and batteries must be replaced regularly to ensure readiness.
Sources
British Heart Foundation - Facts & figures
Provides data on numbers of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK and survival rates (less than 1 in 10)
British Heart FoundationOut-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates (Resuscitation Council UK / research)
Reports that fewer than 1 in 12 patients (≈ 7.8 %) survive to 30 days after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Resuscitation Council UKResuscitation Council UK - “Guidance: Defibrillators”
Offers guidance on deployment, responsibilities, and best practices for AED programmes in the UK
Resuscitation Council UKResuscitation Council UK - “Consensus statement on AED cabinets”
Guidance about cabinet design (unlocked for immediate access) and registry linking (The Circuit)
Resuscitation Council UKSt John Ambulance - Guide to defibrillator maintenance and upkeep
Practical checklist and advice on maintaining AED readiness
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