Where Are AEDs Required?

Automated external defibrillators otherwise known as AEDs, AED devices, or AED machines are medical devices used by those working in emergency medical services as well as lay people to treat sudden cardiac arrest. When used quickly in combination with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), AED users have a significant chance of saving a life.

AEDs are required by state law in a variety of situations. In addition to laws requiring an AED, many states also have AED laws that speak to AED placement, AED usage and AED training. There is currently no federal legislation requiring AEDs (including federal buildings), which simplifies AED programs and AED program requirements somewhat. Below, we outline a variety of AED placement requirements and recommendations by state according to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.

State laws change all the time. While we will continue to keep this article fresh, it’s important to use this information as a starting point for deeper research into the AED laws and requirements in your state.

States Requiring AEDs In Schools

Below is a list of states that require AEDs in School. Many automatic external defibrillator units have pediatric AED pads available, making use of an AED in a school setting or school athletic events by school employees or bystanders possible and safe.

Alabama
Arkansas
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Louisiana
Maryland
New Jersey
North Dakota
Nevada
New York
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee (pending)
Texas

States Recommending AEDs In Schools

California
Colorado
Ohio
Tennessee
Washington

Recommended AEDs for Schools:

The following AEDs for sale are great options for schools.

States Requiring AEDs In State Buildings

Arkansas
Arizona
California
North Carolina
Nevada
New York
Oregon
Rhode Island

Recommended AEDs for State Buildings:

States Recommending AED Placement In State Buildings:

Arkansas
Arizona
California
North Carolina
Nevada
New York
Oregon

States Requiring AED Placement In Sports Clubs (health clubs), Gambling and Non-Health Facilities

The following states have AED laws requiring fitness facilities to have at least one AED.

Arkansas
California
Iowa
Illinois
Indiana
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Maryland
Michigan
Mississippi
New Jersey
New York
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
District of Columbia

Recommended AEDs for Sports Clubs, Gambling, and Non-Health Facilities

The following AED machines for sale are great devices for sports clubs, Gambling locations, and non-health clubs or facilities

States Recommending AED Placement In Sports Clubs, Gambling, and Non-Health Facilities

North Carolina
Nevada

Who can use an AED?

As discussed above, AEDs can be used by emergency medical service providers (local EMS) as well as lay rescuers. This can include adults, teens, and younger kids. Because sudden cardiac arrest occurs anywhere at anytime, Good Samaritan protection offered through Good Samaritan laws limit civil liability and are very important for encouraging the use of an automated external defibrillator.

There are no AED training requirements, although AED training is highly recommended along with CPR training.

Learn more about AEDs, AED maintenance and get answers to other important AED-related questions on our AED Overview article. Interested in AED medical oversight? Take a look at our Arch medical program management.

Hi Rick! Yes! Both New York and Connecticut require an AED at a golf course – this would include a golf course with a country club and restaurant. Golf courses are known as the fifth most common place for people to suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. Players can get hit in the chest with a golf ball, which can lead to commotio cordis, which occurs when a player takes a hard hit to the chest from a small object like a golf ball. When hit in a certain area the heart’s electrical current can change and trigger sudden cardiac arrest.

Without an AED nearby, commotio cordis typically results in death. Having an AED on the golf course and in the clubhouse/restaurant is important to be able to reach the victim under 3-4 minutes before damage to the brain occurs. To learn more on this topic, check out our blog https://www.heartsmart.com/blogs/damar-hamlins-sca-raises-awareness-for-cpr-and-aeds-in-the-sports-community/.

5 replies on “Where Are AEDs Required?”

AED unit required in Colorado gym?

Colorado requires all AED programs to have AED placement reporting and EMS activation, maintenance, training, medical direction, and program documentation. The Good Samaritan law applies to all AED program participants but only for activities related to the use of an AED – all other AED program activities are not covered. Immunity is determined by compliance with administrative and operation requirements. Colorado requires AEDs to be placed in dentist offices. Although not necessarily required, we recommend all fitness centers have an AED on site. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer care team at [email protected].

Would a golf course/country club with restaurant be required by NY law to have an AED?

Does a Tennessee pediatric medical clinic require an AED?