Safety Knights

I think it's a personal preference because it's not always effective. The intent/purpose would be to notify others that someone grabbed an AED, and therefore, assist or make the appropriate notifications if they haven't already done so. However, the AED is often in a noisy area or in a "First Aid Room", so unless you're within around 10-20 feet, you often don't hear the alarm going off. Plus, when you close the cabinet back (which people typically do), the alarm turns off, so it's usually only on for a few seconds anyways.

Agree with Drew's comments that it is personal preference. In my situation, if someone grabs an AED, then that person is also expected to notify others per internal policy. This internal notification not only ensures others respond to the emergency, but also starts the process to re-inventory the AED per the policy. Separately, we also have a process to visually inspect all AED cabinets and contents weekly. This leaves undesired intent (e.g. theft) as the only reason to use an audible alarm. All of our AEDs are in common spaces and are monitored by CCTV, so there is no need for us to use our alarms. We have alarm capability, but it is disabled. I should point out our common spaces are restricted to employees only (no public areas for non-employees to meander). Might be different if in a very public area such as a mall, grocery store, etc. Lots of things to consider.