Simple Defib Practice Routine To Build Confidence in School Staff

Many educators worry about being unprepared for medical emergencies. Quick drills can transform that anxiety into action and save lives.

Every school faces medical emergencies sooner or later, and sudden cardiac arrest is among the most critical. When it happens, every minute counts. The sooner an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used, the better the chance of survival.

But there’s a challenge: most teachers and support staff feel unprepared to use one. In fact, a recent UK study found that only 15.9% of school staff felt confident with an AED before hands-on experience.

Unsurprisingly, unfamiliarity can lead to hesitation. When staff are unsure, seconds can slip by. Delayed action wastes vital time, risks poor outcomes for pupils and colleagues, and undermines Ofsted and HSE expectations for a safe working environment.

Formal, full-length first aid training is important, but it doesn’t always translate into confidence in fast-moving real-world moments. With busy timetables and high workloads, schools rarely have the luxury of extra hours for in-depth practice.

This is a simple but urgent problem: every adult in a school needs to feel ready to use the AED, without taking up precious learning or teaching time.

Common Pitfalls

A few preventable mistakes hold schools back from meaningful AED readiness:

• Assuming theoretical knowledge is enough. Watching a video or ticking off an e-learning module does not prepare a person to act quickly or calmly in a crisis.
• Making AED drills too long or difficult to organise. If drills require booking the hall, specialist trainers, or full afternoon sessions, they’re less likely to happen.
• Failing to repeat or refresh. One-off annual training isn’t enough. Skills fade, and staff changes reduce confidence.
• Not involving all staff. Cleaners, after-school club leaders, catering staff, and admin teams may be present when an emergency hits.
• Leaving no visual reminders. Without prompts, people forget the steps they practised.

The most common pitfall of all is waiting for an official training day and hoping staff are prepared in the meantime.

Step-by-Step Fix

Short, regular practice drills can make all the difference and fit into even the busiest school day.

Step 1: Schedule 10-minute practice sessions into existing gatherings

Use times when staff are already together (morning briefings, staff meetings, INSET). Set aside 10 minutes at the start or end.

Aim to familiarise staff with the AED: its location, appearance, and the basic steps involved.

Bring out the training AED. Encourage staff to hold it, open it, and see how easily the pads connect.

DefibSpace Tip:
Laminate a one-page “AED Quick Steps” checklist and keep it next to your staff signing-in book. Staff who miss a session can practise for two minutes on their own or with a colleague.

Step 2: Run peer-to-peer practice with paired staff

Split staff into pairs. Give each pair a chance to practise moving through the AED procedure, using a training device if available.

If you have more than one training AED, set up in separate corners of the staffroom. Each person should have a turn operating the device and talking their partner through the steps as if it were a real incident.

Discuss practical questions such as “What do I do if the pads won’t stick?” or “Where are the scissors and razor kept?” (Most AEDs include these in the carry case.)

Rotate pairs at the next session so staff get comfortable working with different colleagues.

DefibSpace Tip:
Acknowledge it can feel awkward at first. The aim is getting comfortable with the process, not memorising a script.

Step 3: Build in regular refreshers each term

Real confidence builds with repetition. Plan at least one AED practice session per term.

These refreshers can be even shorter — five minutes with the device and a quick Q&A. Link them to other safety reminders, such as fire drill practice or evac chair training.

Use different staff each time to demonstrate. If a new colleague starts, give them a one-to-one walkthrough. If your AED is moved or updated, make this the focus of your next session.

DefibSpace Tip:
Note down who has practised when. This helps spot gaps (support staff, peripatetic teachers) and supports your health and safety records.

Step 4: Guide staff to trust the AED prompts

Modern AEDs provide clear, step-by-step instructions. Even if someone freezes, they can follow the voice prompts.

Let staff hear the exact audio prompts the device gives, from “Attach pads” to “Do not touch the patient.” If your training AED can simulate different scenarios, demonstrate a few.

DefibSpace Tip:
Record a short video of a staff member going through the AED process and share it via Teams/intranet/bulletin so staff can rewatch between drills.

Step 5: Make AED practice visible and valued

Treat AED practice as essential, not optional. Add AED readiness to safeguarding agendas or site walkarounds.

Invite staff to share questions, uncertainties, or relevant stories. This keeps learning practical and “alive”.

DefibSpace Tip:
Display an “AED Ready” notice in the staffroom or reception and update it after each drill.

Sample “AED Quick Steps” Checklist

1. Fetch the AED and bring it to the casualty.
2. Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts.
3. Expose the casualty’s chest and attach the pads as shown.
4. Ensure nobody is touching the casualty when the AED says “analyzing”.
5. Deliver a shock if advised and resume chest compressions as instructed.
6. Continue until emergency services arrive.

Include machine-specific variations if required. Make sure your AED is always ready for use (battery checked, pads in date, kit stocked).

What Most People Miss

Quick, low-pressure, hands-on drills build confidence better than manuals. AEDs are designed for non-medical people in stressful situations, and confidence grows when staff practise together and trust the prompts.

Also: include all adults on site, not just teaching staff. Emergencies don’t stick to timetables.

The Bigger Picture

Short AED drills build a safer, more resilient school culture:

• Faster, more decisive emergency responses
• A visible culture of safety for parents, governors, and inspectors
• Reduced risk of non-compliance with HSE or DfE guidance
• Stronger peer support and confidence
• Clear evidence of due diligence for records and inspections

Wrap-Up

Routine AED drills help turn uncertainty into calm action without disrupting the school day. The impact shows in staff confidence, pupil safety, and compliance.

For practical first aid advice and specialised training resources for schools, visit the School First Aid Training Kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should staff practise using the AED?
Aim for at least one short drill per term for all staff.

Is it safe for non-medical staff to use the AED?
Yes. AEDs are designed for lay users and guide the rescuer step by step.

Does a training AED work the same as a real one?
Training AEDs mimic layout and prompts but do not deliver a real shock.

Do we need specialist trainers for these drills?
Professional input helps, but many short drills can be run in-house by a confident staff member who understands the basics.

Are there official guidelines for AEDs in schools?
Yes. The DfE expects schools to maintain an operational AED and encourage first aid readiness. HSE recommends regular checks and skills refreshers.

What if I’m nervous I won’t remember the steps?
Turn on the AED and follow the prompts. A printed checklist next to the device is a great backup.

Further Resources

• GOV.UK: Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools
• HSE: Automated external defibrillators in the workplace
• Resuscitation Council UK: AEDs and CPR
• DefibSpace: School First Aid Training Kit

This article provides general information for schools in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Always follow local policies and device-specific instructions. For school-specific guidance, contact DefibSpace or your local authority.

For more practical safety advice, visit https://www.defibspace.com.