First Aid & AED Defibrillator Signs Guide

In a medical emergency, every second spent looking for a first aid kit or a defibrillator is a second lost. Clear first aid and AED signs help anyone, including visitors who have never been in your building, find help fast. This guide covers which signs to use, where they go and how to make them easy to spot.

Which first aid signs do workplaces use?

First aid kit location signs: a white cross on a green background, placed above or beside each kit. See our first aid sign or a first aid kit located sign with custom location to point people to a kit in another room.
First aid officer signs: show the names and phone numbers of trained first aiders. Our first aid officer sign lets you add your own details.
First aid room signs: for workplaces with a dedicated first aid room.
Emergency shower and eyewash signs: where chemicals are handled. See our emergency shower and eyewash sign.

Safe Work Australia's model code of practice on first aid in the workplace is a good place to start when working out what your workplace needs. Your state WHS regulator or safety adviser can confirm the details for your site.

AED and defibrillator signs

More workplaces, gyms, clubs, schools and strata buildings now keep an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. An AED is only useful if people can find it. Most AED signs use a green background with a white heart and lightning bolt symbol, which is widely recognised around the world.

At the cabinet: an AED defibrillator sign directly above the unit.
Along the way: directional AED signs with left or right arrows in corridors, lobbies and at entries.
At reception or the main entry: a sign telling visitors that an AED is on site and where it is.

Some states are introducing rules about AEDs in certain buildings and workplaces. Check what applies to you with your state government or WHS regulator.

Where to put the signs

High enough to see over people and furniture. Mount signs above head height (around 2 metres) so they are visible across a room.
Visible from the main walkways. If a kit is around a corner, add a directional sign.
At every kit and AED. Don't rely on one sign for a whole floor.
Projecting signs in long corridors. A double-sided sign that sticks out from the wall can be seen from both directions.

Choosing size and material

200mm x 300mm: above kits and cabinets in offices and small spaces.
300mm x 450mm: warehouses, factories and large open areas.
Material: aluminium or ACP for long-term use; self-adhesive vinyl for glass, cabinets and smooth walls.

Keep them current

First aid officer signs date quickly when staff change. Review them every few months and when anyone leaves or finishes training. Replace any faded or damaged signs, and move signs if a kit or AED is moved.

Need the basics in one order? Our Workplace Fire & First Aid Sign Pack includes fire extinguisher, fire blanket, first aid kit, assembly point, fire door and exit door signs at 15% less than buying them separately.