Why Every Home Should Have an AED This Holiday Season 

Author: Marcy Burnham, RN

As we move into the holiday season—filled with celebrations, travel, and time spent at home—it’s important to recognize an often-overlooked reality: cardiac emergencies increase during the winter months, and most sudden cardiac arrests (SCA) occur in the home. With added seasonal stressors and colder temperatures placing extra strain on the heart, having an automated external defibrillator (AED) in the home can be a truly lifesaving investment. 

The holidays bring joy, but they also bring stress—both emotional and physical. Common seasonal factors contribute to a rise in cardiovascular risks: 

• Elevated Stress: Shopping, hosting, travel, financial pressure, and schedule overload raise cortisol levels and blood pressure, increasing cardiac strain.

• Cold Weather: Lower temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, making the heart work harder.

• Holiday Meals & Alcohol: Rich foods, higher sodium intake, and irregular eating patterns can trigger arrhythmias and heart events.

• Slower Emergency Response Times: Winter weather and holiday call volumes can delay EMS arrival when minutes matter most.

Together, these conditions contribute to an annual rise in heart-related emergencies, including sudden cardiac arrest. 

More than 70% of SCAs occur at home. While we often think of AEDs in public places or workplaces, the majority of cardiac arrests happen where people live, relax, and gather—especially during the holidays. 

When someone experiences SCA: 

• Survival decreases by about 10% every minute without CPR and defibrillation. 

• Brain injury can begin within 4–6 minutes. 

• National EMS response times often exceed 7–14 minutes, and may be even longer during winter months. 

A home AED bridges this gap. Designed for everyday people—not medical professionals—AEDs provide clear instructions and automatically analyze the heart’s rhythm, delivering a shock only if needed. When used quickly along with CPR, survival rates can increase dramatically. 

While every household benefits from being prepared, home AEDs are especially important for: 

• Individuals with a personal or family history of heart disease 

• Adults with high-risk conditions such as arrhythmias or previous cardiac arrest 

• Homes located in rural areas or places with longer EMS response times 

• Families who host large gatherings or holiday events 

• Anyone wanting stronger emergency preparedness 

SCA doesn’t discriminate—it can happen to healthy individuals with no warning. Preparedness saves lives. 

A Heart-Healthy Holiday Checklist 

To help keep loved ones safe this season: 

• Manage holiday stress with rest, self-care, and reasonable expectations 

• Dress warmly and limit strenuous activity in cold weather 

• Enjoy holiday food and drinks in moderation 

• Stay active and maintain heart-healthy habits 

• Ensure household members know CPR and how to use an AED 

And above all—consider making an AED part of your home safety readiness. 

A Lifesaving Gift That Lasts Beyond the Season 

Whether you’re gathering with family, hosting guests, or enjoying time at home, having an AED nearby ensures you’re prepared if the unexpected happens. This holiday season, investing in a home AED is one of the most meaningful ways to safeguard the people you care about most.