Should You Keep a Defibrillator (AED) in Your Car? Risks, Benefits and Best Practices

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, anytime and often without warning. Having a defibrillator (Automated External Defibrillator or AED) close by in an emergency could mean the difference between life and death. For some, that means carrying an AED in the car.

But is it a good idea?

In this blog, we’ll explore why you might want to keep an AED in your car, the potential risks and how to store and care for it properly.

Why consider carrying an AED in your car?

Carrying a portable defibrillator isn’t just for ambulances or emergency services. Many families, community volunteers and people with known heart conditions choose to keep an AED in their vehicle.

Here are just some of the reasons you might want to keep an AED in your car:

• ·        You have a family member at increased risk of cardiac arrest
•       You frequently drive through rural or remote areas, where ambulance response times can be longer
•       You’re often on long journeys or work in remote areas (such as delivery drivers or field engineers)
•       You're part of a local first responder team and want to be ready wherever you are
•       Not all emergency services (such as police cars) are equipped with one, and immediate access can save a life during sudden cardiac arrest

What are the benefits of keeping a defibrillator (AED) in your car?

If you travel frequently or live in a rural area, having a portable AED in your car provides a range of benefits. Here’s why it can be a good idea for added safety and peace of mind:

1.      Faster response times

Every minute counts when it comes to sudden cardiac arrest. For each minute without defibrillation, survival chances drop by 10%. Having a defibrillator in your vehicle means you’re not wasting precious minutes while waiting for the emergency services to arrive.

2.      Essential in remote or rural areas

Ambulance response times can be longer in the countryside or when travelling through remote areas. Having an AED in your car means you’re prepared to act immediately, even if you’re far from help.

3.      Protection for family and passengers

If someone in your family has a known heart condition, carrying an AED provides added reassurance on every trip. It’s a chance to look after your loved ones wherever you go.

4.      Compact, durable and ready to go 

Modern AEDs are lightweight, robust and designed to withstand bumps that come with travelling. Many models are provided with protective cases to keep the defibrillator safe from bumps or damage.

5.      Dramatically increases survival rate

Studies show that early CPR and defibrillation (within the first three to five minutes, survival rates can jump from 10% to as high as 50-70%. Which makes having an AED within arm’s reach so important.

6.      Gives you confidence to act

Knowing you have a well maintained AED in your car, and that you’ve taken a CPR/AED training course, can make all the difference in an emergency. It means you’re prepared, calm and ready to help.

Risks of storing an AED in your car (and how to mitigate them)

While the benefits of keeping a defibrillator in your car make it seem appealing, it can come with some important considerations. Here’s a few things to watch out for.

1.      Temperature extremes can damage your AED

The risk: AEDs have specific operating and storage temperature ranges, usually around 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F). However, inside a parked car, especially in the summer, temperatures can soar well above or drop far below these limits.

The consequence: Excessive heat or cold may damage the battery and electrode pads which could cause the AED to fail when you need it most.

How to mitigate it:

• ·        Store your AED in a thermal or insulated carry case designed to regulate temperature
•       Avoid leaving the device in a parked car for long periods, especially in extreme weather or bring it indoors at night
•       Park in shaded or covered areas wherever possible

2.      Batteries and pads can degrade faster in vehicles

The risk: AED batteries and electrode pads have expiry dates and can deteriorate faster when exposed to fluctuating or extreme temperatures.

The consequence: If batteries lose charge or pads dry out, your AED may not deliver a shock which can make it useless and unable to save a life when needed.

How to mitigate it:

• ·        Check the AEDs status indicators weekly. Most devices have a visual sign if something needs attention
•       Keep a record of expiry dates and set reminders to replace batteries and pads on time

3.      Risk of theft or vandalism

The risk: AEDs are valuable medical devices and could be tempting to thieves if left in plain sight.

The consequence: Losing your AED means replacing an expensive piece of life-saving equipment.

How to mitigate it:

• ·        Keep the AED out of sight, such as in a locked glove compartment or boot
•       Use a discreet carry case that doesn’t draw attention

4.      False sense of security without training

The risk: Having an AED in your car might lead to a false sense of preparedness.

The consequence: If you or your passengers aren’t trained in CRP or AED use, or if the device is poorly maintained, precious time could be lost during an emergency.

How to mitigate it:

• ·       Take a CPR and AED training course so you know exactly how to respond 
•       Encourage family members or friends to get training too

Are car AEDs worth it?

If you care for it properly and keep it maintained, the benefits of keeping an AED in your car far outweigh the risks. An AED dramatically increases the chances of survival if someone has a sudden cardiac arrest. By taking precautions such as protecting it from extreme temperatures, storing it securely, maintaining it and getting training, you can keep your device ready to save a life.

AEDs in vehicles save lives

Having a defibrillator in your car could mean the difference between life and death, especially in remote locations or if you’re travelling with someone at higher risk of cardiac arrest. With the right precautions, it’s a practical way to stay prepared.

At Defib4Life, we stock a wide range of compact, vehicle-friendly AEDs, protective carry cases and provide expert advice. Want help choosing the right defibrillator for your car? Get in touch with our team and we’d be happy to help you.

Related blogs:

• ·        How to maintain and test your defibrillator for maximum safety.
•       Critical: Timing of a defibrillator shock
•       The importance of maintaining your AED: Examining battery and pads failures  

FAQs about keeping a defibrillator in your car

Can I legally keep a defibrillator in my car in the UK?

Yes, there are no UK laws preventing you from keeping an AED in your vehicle. In fact, many people choose to carry a defibrillator for added safety, especially those living in rural areas or with family members at higher risk of cardiac arrest.

Will an AED work properly if it’s left in a car?

AEDs are sensitive to temperature extremes. Cars can get much hotter or colder than an AED’s recommended range (typically 0°C to 50°C). This can damage the battery or pads. Use a thermal carry case, park in shaded areas and bring your AED indoors when not travelling to help protect it.

How often do I need to replace AED batteries and pads?

Most AED batteries last around four to five years, while electrode pads usually need replacing every two to three years (or immediately after use). It’s important to check expiry dates and your AED’s status indicator regularly to keep it ready.

Is it worth having an AED in my car?

For many people, absolutely. Having an AED in your car means you’re prepared if cardiac arrest strikes, especially in remote areas. With the right precautions, such as storing it securely and keeping it maintained, the benefits often far outweigh the risks.