Kangaroo Island Council has supported improved access to lifesaving equipment across the Island, with 23 new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) installed at publicly accessible locations in late 2025, ahead of new AED legislation that came into effect on 1 January 2026.

The new AEDs have been installed at a range of locations including campgrounds, boat ramps, sporting venues and community spaces, helping ensure residents and visitors can access emergency equipment when it is most needed.

Ten of the new AEDs were partly funded through the South Australian Government AED Grant Program, which provided up to $1,000 per device.

Under the new legislation, AED requirements are determined by specific criteria, including the type of facility, how it is used, expected numbers of people and whether the location is publicly accessible. 

The legislation does not require an AED at every individual site, but instead focuses on placing devices where they are most likely to be needed and accessed quickly in an emergency.

Kangaroo Island Council says it assessed its own facilities against these criteria, with a particular focus on higher-use public locations and areas where emergency response times may be longer due to distance or remoteness. 

This approach supports compliance with the legislation while improving practical, Island-wide access to AEDs.

There are now approximately 40 AEDs located in publicly accessible areas across Kangaroo Island, including devices installed by the council and other facility operators. Many of these AEDs are registered on the GoodSAM AED Registry, which is linked to Triple Zero (000).

In a medical emergency, the public should always call 000 first, where operators can provide assistance and direct callers to the nearest registered AED.

Mayor Michael Pengilly says the focus is on ensuring people know AEDs are available and how to access them in an emergency.

“This is about awareness and access,” he says.

“If an AED is needed, calling 000 straight away is critical. Emergency operators can help locate the nearest registered device and provide guidance until help arrives.”

The council is encouraging residents and visitors to familiarise themselves with AED locations in their area and to always follow the instructions provided by emergency services in the event of a medical emergency.