You might think, “Great, I’ll just buy one and stick it on the wall!” But hold your horses. Installation isn’t free. You need a weatherproof cabinet if it’s outside (another £200–£500), and you might want a sign to tell people it’s there. Plus, consider training—many suppliers offer a course for £50–£100 per person. Sure, the machine talks to you, but do you really want your first time using a defib to be during an actual emergency? Probably not.
Oh, and VAT? Yes, that’s a thing. Most defibrillators are subject to 20% VAT, but here’s a fun fact: the UK government currently has a zero VAT scheme for defibrillators until 2027! So you could save a chunk of change. Check with your supplier, because nothing says “I saved a life” like also saving on tax.
