Churches and Automated External Defibrillators (AED)

The Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 mandates AEDs in certain buildings, facilities and vehicles across South Australia.

The published AED Regulations state that a place of worship is considered to be a prescribed building under the definition of “public building or facility”, and therefore will require the installation of an AED.

So what does that mean for your church:

1. An AED will need to be installed in your church building, in a secure but easily accessible area, by 1 January 2026.
2. Within 2 weeks of installation, the church needs to register the AED via the SA Ambulance Service website.
3. Appropriate signage needs to be installed indicating that an AED is nearby.
4. Ensure the AED is properly maintained, and tested at least once every 12 months.

Why does the AED need to be registered?

AEDs can be used by anyone and require no training. When you call Triple Zero (000) in a cardiac emergency, an Emergency Medical Dispatch team will direct you to a nearby AED if available through the steps to use the AED until a crew arrives.

The AED at your church could then be used by any member of the public, during your opening hours, in the case of a cardiac emergency.

There are 2 ways that an AED can be acquired:

1. Through a rental agreement with a local distributor.
2. By outright purchase.

We are aware that several churches have already been contacted by a variety of groups regarding this option. This might be a suitable way to go, especially if the agreement also includes testing and maintenance.

BCSANT has also been approached by Preventive Health SA to apply for grant funding on behalf of the churches. We have registered our interest and will apply for a grant on behalf of all SA Baptist churches when it opens in March 2025. We will advise you of the outcome of this application.

While there is plenty of time before the installation of an AED is required, we would recommend the church be proactive in arranging the purchase of the required equipment. There may be low stock available towards the end of the year as many businesses and organisations rush to arrange installation by the required time.

We will update you with more information as it becomes available.

For more information, including Best Practice Guides, FAQ’s and links to the legislation, visit the SA Health website.