MAINTAINING an up-to-date register of where defibrillators are positioned could be crucial to saving lives, a local heart charity has said, amid uncertainty over the number and locations of the devices.
Unlike other safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, there is no legislation requiring people to register Automated External Defibrillators in Jersey or the UK.
Estimates as to the amount of AEDs on the Island varies. Currently, the government only record 45 publicly accessible defibrillators, the Jersey Heart Support Group’s website contains a map of 67 across the Island and a FOI request from 2025 indicates there may be as many as 109 in various locations.
However, it is also likely that the majority of these remain in St Helier with the government’s register recording 28 in the parish and as few as two in Grouville and St Lawrence and one in St Mary.
Anne Blackburn, secretary to the Jersey Heart Support Group, said: “It is vital to have up-to-date information on the location of defibrillators (also known as AEDs, Automated External Defibrillators), and as a heart charity we strongly support the idea of a centralised, publicly accessible register.
“Anything that helps people locate a working defibrillator quickly has the potential to save lives.”
The organisation ask islanders to regularly check defibrillators on their premises to ensure that the battery has appropriate charge and the defib pads are within the expiry date.
Ms Blackburn added: “In practice maintaining a centralised map of working and accessible defibrillators is a complex issue. Many defibrillators on the Island are owned privately or by businesses with some being kept indoors and therefore unavailable to the public.
“Other defibrillators may now be older and no longer in working order. Maintaining an accurate, live database requires ongoing technical support, regular verification, and dedicated manpower.”
The UK currently has roughly 137 defibrillators per 100,000 people, meaning that Jersey’s access to them is likely to be well below the UK-per-person average.
A Government of Jersey spokesperson said: “The Government of Jersey recognises the importance of defibrillators, which can play a vital role in saving lives.
“The government does not own or maintain the majority of defibrillators currently around the Island, which are purchased and maintained by businesses or community groups. It is the responsibility of the device’s owner to ensure that it is fit for purpose and remains accessible and functional. It should be noted that both the batteries and pads have a shelf life and need to be updated.
“The government does not currently hold a centralised list of defibrillators but works with platforms such as Defib.je and Jersey Heart Support. The government has been working closely with these partners over the past year to discuss how best to optimise their resources to support the public.
“When a defibrillator could be appropriate, the emergency services will always ask callers to check if one is nearby and, if so, to use it.
“We are in the planning stages of a public awareness campaign for spring, following initial meetings with stakeholders in late 2025, to help the community understand how to maintain and use defibrillators effectively. In the meantime, helpful guidance and registration options are available through Defib.je and Jersey Heart Support, which provide resources to support maintenance and accessibility.”
In instances of cardiac arrest, defibrillators, when used with CPR between three-to-five minutes after collapse, can increase the chances of survival from around 10% to 60-70%.
