AED programs span a 10-year deployment cycle, but most organizations budget annually. Closing that gap — translating decade-long program cost into year-by-year capital and operational budget requests — is what makes the difference between funded and stalled AED programs.
Capital vs operational split
| Year | Capital (one-time) | Operational (annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (install) | $1,795 device + $250 cabinet + $160 training = $2,205 | $25 registration |
| Years 2–3 | — | $60 pads (year 3) + $25 inspection |
| Years 4–5 | — | $160 training renewal + $25 inspection |
| Years 6–7 | — | $250 battery + $60 pads (year 6) + $160 training |
| Year 8 (device EOL) | $1,795 device replacement | Same as years 1–7 pattern |
| Total 10-year | ~$2,205 + $1,795 = $4,000 capital | ~$700–$1,000 operational |
Procurement timing strategy
Three timing decisions reduce budget pain:
- Year-end procurement: Buy late Q4 for Section 179 deduction in current tax year
- Pre-expiration bulk consumable orders: Consolidate replacements 90 days before expiration to capture 10–25% bulk discount
- Fleet device replacement staggered: Replace 1–2 devices per year in a 10-AED fleet rather than all 10 in year 8
Annual budget request template
For a 10-AED fleet entering year 3 of deployment:
- Annual consumables: $1,200 (12 pad sets at $100 average)
- Training renewal: $1,600 (20 staff × $80 every 2 years amortized = $800/yr × 2 years catch-up)
- Inspection labor: $450 (10 AEDs × 15 min × 4 quarters × $45/hr)
- Software (if applicable): $1,800 (10 AEDs × $15/month)
- Total annual operational: ~$5,050
Frequently Asked Questions
Should AEDs be a capital or operational expense?
Device purchase = capital. Annual consumables + training = operational. Section 179 typically allows full year-1 expensing of the capital portion for businesses.
How much annual budget per device?
Plan $200–$500 per device per year for consumables, training, and inspection labor.
When should we budget for device replacement?
Year 8 typically — manufacturer warranty + service support ends around year 8–10.
How do we get funding for new AED programs?
Combine capital request + grant funding + insurance premium credit + Section 179 tax savings. See AED Grants & Funding.
What’s the total 10-year program cost for 10 AEDs?
$25,000–$45,000 depending on brand standardization and bulk discount capture. Run exactly in the Cost Calculator.
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Sources & References
Disclaimer: Verify Section 179 eligibility with a licensed CPA.
