CELLAED going into administration: What does it mean for portable AED owners?

CELLAED was one of the main manufacturers of a portable and compact defibrillator that can be used by lone workers, mobile teams, hikers or just to keep in the car in case you need it. These lightweight defibrillators mean lifesaving equipment can be taken on the go and help responders to take action quickly when a community AED may be too far away or out of service.

The CELLAED device was withdrawn from the UK market at the end of 2024 due to compliance issues and owners have been waiting patiently for an alternative solution from the company. However, at the end of 2025, the company went into administration which raises questions for those who rely on portable defibrillators and what the alternatives are.

In this blog, we’ll address what this means if you own one of these devices or were thinking of investing in one, why portable defibrillators are so important and how you can review your options going forwards.

What happened to CELLAED?

Rapid Response Revival, the company that manufactures the CELLAED device, has entered voluntary administration. So, if you own one of these devices, this development will naturally raise questions around continuous support for the device, availability of consumables and reliability. When investing in lifesaving equipment, you need to be confident that the device will work when its needed and provide long term support[AW1] .

It's important to remember that administration does not mean that your device will now automatically stop working but, eventually, you’ll no longer be able to replace it and there will be no support from the manufacturer so it’s important to start thinking about investing in a replacement device. 

What are your next steps if you own a CELLAED device?

If you already own a CELLAED device, you don’t need to take immediate action but you will need to review your current device and think about replacing it so you have a reliable and supported portable device available to you if needed.

The CELLAED device has a shelf life of just 24 months so it’s important to check the expiry date of your device and plan to replace it before this date. This device was supplied on subscription-based model which meant you’d receive a new device after 24 months. This service will cease to exist, leaving you with an obsolete device eventually.

Here are the actions you can take today to start planning and ensure you have a rescue ready device that will save a life when needed:

1.  Check the expiry date of your device: Look at your CELLAED device so you know exactly when it’s due to expire. This will enable you to put plans in motion to research and order a replacement so you have a device that’s going to work when needed.

2. Look at alternatives: Start researching for your next AED. Take a look at brands that are reputable and will provide long-term support so your investment in lifesaving equipment is secure. HeartHero’s new device will soon be available and is the perfect replacement.

3. Speak to experts: If you’re not sure which device is right for you and your needs, we recommend speaking to someone who can offer advice to help you find the right AED for your needs or organisation. At Defib4Life, we offer impartial advice to help you find the right solution for you.

Introducing HeartHero…

If you’re looking specifically for a portable device that’s the perfect match for the CELLAED device, the new HeartHero AED is a great alternative.

HeartHero is a modern portable defibrillator designed to be easily carried and provide a rapid response in situations where it might be difficult to get hold of a defibrillator quickly. The device is simple and clear to use which allows responders to act                  quickly and confidently in the time it takes for emergency services to arrive.

What are the benefits of portable AEDs?

All defibrillators are made and designed to deliver a shock and potentially save the life of someone who is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Wall-mounted community defibrillators are still essential, portable defibrillators offer advantages in environments where people, risks and activities are constantly changing or where a defibrillator might not be quickly accessible.

These devices are particularly suited to the following:

• Mobile teams and lone workers
• Facilities teams
• Events, venues and security teams
• Organisations operating across multiple sites
• The portable design enables the device to be carried anywhere while providing the same support as any other AED.

Planning ahead and staying prepared

The news of CELLAED going into administration raises questions for owners of the device but it also provides you with an opportunity to review your current defibrillator, it’s expiry date and whether it’s still supported by the manufacturer.

If you currently own a CELLAED device, there’s no need to panic but you will need to start making provisions for when it reaches its expiry date. Understanding when your device is likely to become obsolete and researching supported alternatives now will ensure you and your organisation are never left without reliable lifesaving equipment.

If you rely on portable devices, solutions such as HeartHero offer a great alternative designed to meet the same needs as the CELLAED device.

Choosing a defibrillator should be about meeting the needs of your orgnaisation or your individual needs. At Defib4Life, we support all of our customers in finding the right device and take the time to understand what you’re looking for so you can find an up-to-date and reliable device that will offer a long-term solution.

Please contact our team for advice on the right defibrillator for you or to find out more about the HeartHero device and its availability.