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: Single-use and typically expire after 2–4 years, costing around £40–£100 per set.
• Batteries: Often last 3–5 years and can cost £100–£200 to replace.
• Servicing and maintenance: Some models require inspections or software updates, which may incur additional fees.
• Cabinets or storage units: Outdoor/heated cabinets 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 pads/batteries expire, replacements may be forgotten or delayed, 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 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 — upgrade options if technology advances.
• Public access support — cabinets, signage, and placement advice can be included.

This all-inclusive model helps organisations avoid unexpected expenses and keeps AEDs rescue-ready by managing pads and batteries under the agreement.

For many, the key appeal of renting is predictability: a small fixed cost rather than irregular replacement and servicing bills.

Did You Know? Many ambulance services maintain defibrillator registries. Rental providers often manage registration on your behalf so the 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 puts responsibility on the owner for pad/battery replacement, servicing, and updates.
• Renting typically includes these, reducing admin and hidden costs.

Flexibility and Upgrades

• Buying locks you into one model until you replace it.
• Renting can allow upgrades as needs or technology change.

Liability and Compliance

• Buying requires registration and ensuring ongoing readiness.
• Renting providers often handle registration/compliance guidance.

Long-Term Cost

• Buying may be cheaper if maintained over 8–10 years.
• Renting offers predictable costs but can cost more if kept indefinitely without review.

Observation: Many community groups prefer renting because they don’t have trained staff or volunteers available to handle ongoing checks. 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 can’t afford a large upfront purchase.
• Community groups and schools where predictable costs are essential.
• Event organisers needing short-term cover.
• Organisations with limited staff capacity to manage checks and replacements.
• Sites with changing requirements (construction projects, temporary facilities).

The advantage is removing uncertainty: maintenance, pad/battery replacement, and registration are included, keeping the AED operational without extra management.

Did You Know? Around 80% of sudden cardiac arrests happen outside hospitals. Renting helps increase coverage where budgets might otherwise prevent access.

When Buying Makes More Sense

Buying may be the better choice for organisations with stable budgets and long-term planning in place, especially:

• Large businesses and institutions that can absorb upfront costs.
• Permanent sites with stable requirements.
• Sites with health and safety teams capable of managing maintenance and compliance.
• Authorities/health providers with existing equipment management systems.

Ownership can be cost-effective if the device is properly maintained over its full life cycle (often 8–10 years), but the responsibility for readiness sits entirely with the owner.

Observation: In well-resourced workplaces, purchase can 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, the service provides a complete solution that removes many hidden costs of ownership.

A typical rental package includes:

• AED device — modern, user-friendly models suitable for untrained users.
• Pads and batteries included — automatic replacement when expired or used.
• Maintenance and support — checks plus 24/7 assistance.
• Replacement cover — replacement if damaged, lost, or used in an emergency.
• Registration and compliance — ambulance service registration plus placement guidance.
• Optional extras — cabinets and signage for public access sites.

Did You Know? The Resuscitation Council UK recommends workplaces consider having a defibrillator; AEDs are increasingly treated as standard safety equipment.

Decision Checklist: What You Should Ask / Compare

• Budget: Upfront funds vs spreading cost
• Maintenance: Who checks and replaces pads/batteries?
• Flexibility: Are you likely to move or change use?
• Support: Do you want ongoing technical support?
• Compliance: Who registers and keeps records up to date?
• Longevity: Will it be maintained for 8–10 years?
• Hidden costs: Pads, batteries, cabinets, servicing

Observation: Some organisations start with rental to ensure immediate coverage, then buy later once budgets and procedures are established.

Summary / Recommendation

Both renting and buying provide essential protection against sudden cardiac arrest. The right choice depends on your organisation’s size, budget, and ability to manage maintenance and compliance.

• Buying suits larger organisations with steady budgets and the resources to manage servicing and replacements. It may be cheaper over time if maintained properly.
• Renting is ideal for smaller organisations and temporary sites. It avoids upfront cost and keeps everything included at a predictable rate, starting from £1/day.

Did You Know? Public access defibrillators are used in a small proportion of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, but when used, survival rates improve significantly. Expanding access helps close this gap.

FAQ

How much does a defibrillator cost to buy?
Most AEDs cost £800–£1,200, plus pads, batteries, and storage.

How much does it cost to rent?
Defib Space offers rental from £1 a day, including servicing, pads, and batteries.

Do I need training to use an AED?
No. AEDs guide users with voice prompts and will only shock if needed.

What happens if a rented defibrillator is used?
A replacement (with fresh pads/batteries) is supplied at no extra cost.

Do rented AEDs need registering?
Yes. Defib Space can handle registration as part of the rental.

Can I rent short term for an event?
Yes. Short-term rentals can cover events or temporary sites.

How long do AEDs last if I buy?
Typically 8–10 years, with pads/batteries replaced regularly.

Sources

1. British Heart Foundation - Facts & figures
   British Heart Foundation
2. Resuscitation Council UK - survival data
   Resuscitation Council UK
3. Resuscitation Council UK - Guidance: Defibrillators
   Resuscitation Council UK
4. Resuscitation Council UK - Consensus statement on AED cabinets
   Resuscitation Council UK
5. St John Ambulance - Defibrillator maintenance
   St John Ambulance