Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Market

Market Overview

The global Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Market was valued at approximately USD 1.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are portable, life-saving devices used to treat sudden cardiac arrest by providing a controlled electric shock in order to re-establish a normalized heart rhythm. They have been designed for use by both healthcare professionals and the lay public, which allows for timely treatment in emergency situations, especially outside the healthcare setting. AEDs are frequently seen in places such as airports, schools, workplaces, and fitness facilities, but they also are found with homes and emergency medical services. The market is growing with regard to AEDs due to a number of factors which includes the increase in the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest, expanding public access defibrillation (PAD) programs, progressive government legislation, ongoing developments in technology and the built-in roles that many automated external defibrillators now offer such as real-time connectivity and voice assistance for the lay user. The growing awareness and training programs delivered in regards to areas such as CPR and AEDs are supporting the levels of adoption across the globe.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Rising Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in Public Settings

The rise in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) the leading cause of death globally is the primary driver of growth in the AED market. The American Heart Association (AHA) reports over 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) happen each year in the United States, with nearly 90% resulting in death if not treated immediately. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen with little to no warning; it is much more likely to happen in public settings like airports, gyms, universities, and workplaces.

Therefore, the provision of an AED is essential in these public settings because these devices provide defibrillation rapidly, before emergency medical services arrive, and significantly increase the chance of survival. In response, governments and public health organizations have mandated the deployment of AEDs in public locations.

For instance, in February 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Health introduced new Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) regulations, requiring AEDs in train stations and commercial buildings above a specified size threshold. The European Union has also introduced regulations encouraging member states to implement AEDs in all public postsecondary educational institutions. The increased awareness of SCA as well as the growth in the number of AEDS is increasing the availability of them among non-medical settings, and increasing the potential for AEDs markets to grow worldwide.

The Increase in Geriatric Population and Chronic Diseases

The upward trend in elderly population demographics and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes, will contribute to indirect factors needed for AED demand. Elderly persons are at a heightened risk of experiencing cardiac arrhythmias, as well as sudden cardiac arrest events.

The significant rise of global aging populations, particularly in developed economies, means the emergence of a larger grouping of high-risk populations leading to a larger population base of potential AED consumers and locations in which a AED is suitable to be deployed. According to the UN, in 2050, the total global population age 65 and older is expected to be close to 1.5 billion, almost double that in 2020.

There are countries like Japan which already have 29% of the population that is age 65 and older, in which AEDs are widely deployed in residential communities and eldercare facilities. In March 2024, India’s Ministry of Health began subsidising AEDs in public hospitals and aged-care facilities, which is part of its National Geriatric Health Program. This significant population trend and growing government support will provide long-term growth tailwinds to the AE market.

Market Restraints

High Costs of Advanced AED Devices and Maintenance

Although the costs of basic AED units are becoming increasingly more affordable, the expenses for advanced AEDs with features like real-time CPR feedback, cloud technology capabilities, and pediatric modes can remain out of reach for some end users, especially in low and middle-income countries.

Ongoing maintenance costs like battery replacements, electrode pads, and software updates can stretch budgets for public institutions or small organizations. For Example, while the ZOLL AED 3 has many exciting features and can range in costs between USD 2,000 and USD 3,000 each unit, they also have annual maintenance costs of over USD 200.

These financial constraints are limits to advancement, especially when used in rural healthcare settings, or in areas of the world that are less developed by healthcare standards. Limited progression is also attributed to little or no reimbursement procedures or tax incentives for AED purchases in the market, making less developed areas unattractive markets to accumulate penetration.

Segmental Analysis

The Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Market is segmented by type, end-user, plays a crucial role in enhancing cardiac emergency response efficiency and survival outcomes.

By Type

In 2024, semi-automated AEDs dominated the market, having an estimated market share of approximately 58.7%, primarily due to their utilization in many public and clinical environments. Although these devices require users to push a button to deliver the shock, this ability provides users with a level of control and flexibility to deliver shocks during emergency use if desired.

Semi-automated AEDs are ultimately a better choice for environments where personnel are trained and can quickly retrieve equipment such as in hospitals, EMS units, and some larger corporate facilities, and semi-automated AEDs are economically sustainable interactive devices allowing trained personnel to follow protocols without completely replacing aspects unique to each environment.

Fully-automated AEDs are anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR for the forecast period; as mentioned in the next paragraph, they are being utilized more frequently in all public access locations like malls, schools, and airports, where laypersons will more likely recognize emergencies as “life threatening”.

Fully-automated AEDs can give the user telltale signs that they are performing accurately if they have never used an AED before. Fully-automated AEDs also provide extra reassurance as a fully automated device often uses the automatic feature to deliver shocks without user hesitation; ultimately, the time-to-treatment period is improved.

By End User

The Public Access Settings segment remained the largest contributor to the AED market in 2024, contributing nearly 35.4% of revenue due to increasing government mandates for the installation of AEDs in public places. AEDs are now viewed as essential equipment for new airport builds and remodels/expansions, transportation hubs, schools, and sports stadiums due to expanding health and safety requirements.

Notable nations such as the U.S., Japan, and Germany also have widely implemented public installations, all of which contributed to increasing revenues in the Public Access Settings segment. The Hospitals and Clinics end-user segment continues to represent a major share of the market, especially for the emergency departments and critical care units that purchase AEDs to supplement manual defibrillators for their acute cardiac care of patients.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is another important part of the end-user segment and includes more paramedics carrying a portable AED for patient transport and scene attendance. The EMS segment is growing due in part to consolidated compact and rugged AED devices that have been cleared for prehospital use. In Home Care, there is increasing traction in support of using an AED by patients living in the home, especially boomers/elderly and additional patients in the home with a cardiac condition in developed regions like the U.S. and Japan. Home Care market revenue is expected to grow, as the age demographics of the population rise and awareness increases.

Regional Analysis

North America

 North America had the largest share of the global AED market at 41.2% revenues as of 2024. The key reasons for this regional leadership in the AED market include: a robust emergency medical structure; widespread recognition and awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) among medical and lay rescuers; and extensive public access defibrillation (PAD) programs.

The U.S. had the largest market share in North America, based on strong government mandates backed by legislation like the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA), along with the widespread installation of AEDs at public places including airports, schools, and malls. Additionally, groups like the American Heart Association (AHA) continued to promote CPR and AED training. Canada is continuing to spend on community AED access, and education about emergency preparedness; these efforts continue to contribute to North America’s leading role in the AED market.

Europe

Europe represents a key AED market driven by strong health care systems and public awareness campaigns. According to statistics, Europe made up roughly 29.5% of the AED market in 2024. Germany, UK, France and Netherlands are leading the way with national AED placement and first-responder training initiatives.  As examples, Germany has a national AED registry, while the UK is legislative requiring CPR to be taught in schools.

The European Resuscitation Council has also identified that thousands of lives could be saved in Europe if response times involving AEDs were reduced. To further exacerbate the situation, we have populations that are getting older as well as, an increasing incidence of cardiovascular emergencies which is contributing to rapid adoption of AEDs both clinically and in the public environment.

Asia-Pacific

The fasted growth in the cardiac defibrillator market will take place in the Asia-Pacific region with a projected CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period (2025-2033). Increasing rates of heart disease along with improving healthcare capabilities in nations like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are fueling growth across the regional market. Notably, Japan has one of the highest public AED increases in the world, with over 600,000 AEDs with public and private sectors.

In India, the government and NGOs have the “Project Heart Restart,” with railway stations, schools and businesses being outfitted with AEDs instead of first aid kits. Furthermore, in China, upgrades to hospitals, and changing the emergency system to a new digital format are allowing access to AEDs for more people; thus, improving the capacity of those facilities; in addition to wealth and awareness around survival from a cardiac arrest spurring market growth in the region.

Latin America and Middle East & Africa

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa (MEA) are experiencing moderate but increasing growth in the AED market. Countries such as Brazil and Mexico in Latin America and South Africa and the UAE in MEA are upgrading their emergency medical services and implementing gradual public access defibrillator programs.

Latin America is seeing increasing growth in public access AED adoption in urban centres and among private health facilities, with Brazil emerging as a regional leader due to increasing cases of CVD and compelling public health initiatives. In the MEA market, government entities are beginning to invest in healthcare infrastructure, with GCC countries leading the way.

Some barriers exist, such as lack of awareness, access to health services not necessarily being equitable, and gaps in government health budgets when it comes to purchasing AEDs, especially in rural or less developed non-urban areas. International community funding, collaborations and community being canvas-ed for mobile health “projects” are helping address some of these barriers to AED acquisition and growth opportunities going forward.

Recent Development

1. April 2024 – ZOLL Medical was one of the first AED manufacturers to become certified under the EU’s new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) for its AED line, certifying adherence to the highest EU standards for safety and quality.
2. October 2024 – ZOLL AED Plus received its MDR Certification and ZOLL AED 3 was approved in January 2024; this confirmed ZOLL’s solid regulatory standing in Europe.
3. March 2025 – ZOLL Medical donated AEDs to 32 U.S. youth organizations partnering with non-profit networks to provide AEDs for sports teams, schools, and recreational center; an expansion of AEDs into community settings.