Is your defibrillator emergency-ready?

What does registering my defibrillator mean?
The Circuit is the national defibrillator network. All ambulance services use the information held on The Circuit to direct 999 callers to the nearest public access defibrillator in the event of an emergency.

If your defibrillator is not registered, it is not visible to the ambulance service.

Why should I register our school’s defibrillator on The Circuit?
Registering your school’s defibrillator on The Circuit ensures ambulance services can direct someone to it in an emergency, enabling lifesaving treatment before the ambulance arrives.

Over 18,000 schools have already registered. Join them in making your pupils/students and community safer. Registration is free, takes just minutes, and could help save a life.

Is registration mandatory?
The Department for Education’s guidelines state that all schools should register their defibrillators on The Circuit, the national defibrillator network.

Registration on The Circuit is also included in the National Governance Association’s compliance guidelines.

Who should register the defibrillator?
The person responsible for looking after the defibrillator should register it. This person will receive reminders to check the device and update The Circuit as needed.

How long does registration take?
Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. This short video walks you through the process.

Where should I place our defibrillator?
We recommend your defibrillator is placed where it is readily accessible to anybody – ideally in an unlocked cabinet on the school perimeter, or accessible near the entrance to the school. 

For larger schools with more than one defibrillator place, we recommend you place your other defibrillators in areas of high footfall (in a far playing field or outside your sports facility) and ensure they are readily accessible.

However, registering your defibrillator, wherever it is located could make a lifesaving difference.

Is it possible to have a single account for our Multi Academy Trust?
Organisation accounts are available for trusts with 10 or more schools. The account provides a single, centralised view of all defibrillators across your trust.

If you are interested, please just ask the person responsible – typically the operations or estates lead - to request an organisation account here. Our account manager will then be in touch to guide them through the process. There is no cost to convert to an organisation account.

How do I know if our defibrillator is already registered?
Visit defibfinder.uk to check if your defibrillator is already registered.

Will I get reminders to check or maintain our defibrillator?
Yes. The Circuit sends regular reminders to help you keep your device ready for use.

Is our data secure?
Yes. The Circuit is managed by British Heart Foundation with robust data protection in place.

What information do I need to register?
You’ll need the location, access details, and device information (including the brand, model and serial number). This short video walks you through the process.

Tip: Have your defibrillator to hand when registering. If unsure, ask your school business manager or site manager for help.

What if our defibrillator is only available during school hours?
You can register the defibrillator for the hours and times it is available. It could still make a lifesaving difference. This short video shows you how.

Will I receive replacement pads?
The Department for Education (DfE) provided over 20,000 defibrillators to state primary and secondary schools in England in 2023. They are supporting this provision with replacement pads every 2 years for the first 6 years, and replacement batteries after 4 years.

What if my defibrillator is used?
If your DfE defibrillator is used, replacement pads for the model provided cost between £65 and £70*. Supplier details are available in the DfE guidelines.

You may wish to fundraise in advance through your parents and teacher association to ensure you have pads available if needed.

*pricing correct October 2025.

How do I ensure our safeguarding procedures are followed?
The Circuit allows you to specify how your defibrillator can be accessed (for example, “Press the school buzzer and go straight to the office”), in line with your school’s standard visitor access process.

We recommend defibrillators are kept outside in unlocked cabinets for rapid access, or are readily accessible within school grounds. However, registering your defibrillator, wherever it is located, could make a lifesaving difference.