An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a portable, lightweight, electronic life-saving device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).  The shock can potentially correct an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) and allow a normal rhythm to resume, thereby saving the person’s life.  AEDs provide voice-assisted guidance and analyze heart rhythms, so that everyday people can easily use them.

• CA SB 502 (2018) – Outlines AED requirements for commuter rail systems
• CA AB 1766 (2018) – Requires public swimming pools to have an AED
• CA AB 2009 (2018) – Requires CA schools to:
  • Ensure there is a written emergency action plan
  • Acquire an AED for each school within a school district
  • Encourage that AEDs be available for emergency care
  • Ensure that an AED is available to athletic trainers and coaches
  • Ensure that AEDs are maintained and tested regularly
• CA Ed Code § 51225.6 (2016) – Outlines AED requirements for schools
• CA Ed Code § 49417 (2015) – Outlines fund receiving policies for schools with the intent on acquiring and maintaining an AED
• CA Health and Safety Code § 19300 (2015) – Outlines the occupancy structures that are required to have an AED on the premises
• CA Health and Safety Code § 104113 (2007) – Outlines AED requirements for health studios
• 16 CCR § 1070.8 (2011) – Outlines AED requirements for dental offices

AEDs are relatively simple to use, and many of them provide voice guidance and prompts for the user.  However, in the chaos of an emergency, it is important to be able to act quickly and confidently, because every second counts.

During a CPR class, our instructor will teach you how to use an AED on people of all ages, while performing CPR.  You will receive video guidance, instructor demonstrations, and have ample time for hands-on practice with realistic manikins and AED trainer machines.  You will be guided through various practice scenarios and have the opportunity to ask questions, so that you leave the class well-prepared for any situation.

Ready to learn about how to use an AED?  Consider taking one of our CPR classes.

If a person provides emergency care in good faith, they are protected by California Health and Safety Code §1799.102 that says, “No person who in good faith, and not for compensation, renders emergency medical or nonmedical care at the scene of an emergency shall be liable for any civil damages resulting from any act or omission”.  This is commonly known as “The Good Samaritan Law”.

Civil Code §1714.21 provides liability protection specific to the use of AEDs.  It was amended by CA Senate Bill 658, Chapter 264, Emergency care: automatic external defibrillator: acquisition and liability, which outlines the law regarding “Good Samaritan” AED use.  In particular, it states, “Existing law exempts from civil liability any person who, in good faith and not for compensation, renders emergency care or treatment by the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the scene of an emergency, except in the case of personal injury or wrongful death that results from the gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct of the person who renders emergency care or treatment.”  The Bill further details certain regulations for those who acquire or install an AED, including building owners and school principals.

Health and Safety Codes §1797.190, and §1797.196 (AB 2041, Ch. 718, 2002) (AB 2083, Ch. 85, 2006) (SB 658, Ch. 264, 2015) grant certain protections from civil liability for lay rescuers who use an AED as long as the use and placement of the AED is compliant with §1797.196 of the Health and Safety Code.  §1797.196 of the Health and Safety Code requires the AED be maintained and tested according to manufacturer guidelines, records be maintained of maintenance and use, training be provided in the use of AEDs and reporting to the Local EMS Agency of the location of any AED if one is acquired.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that a physician sign for the delivery of an AED or prescribe an AED because the AED is considered a medical device.  Information about the end user is collected for this purpose.  Some states have different laws regarding this requirement.  For example, in California, a prescription is not required to purchase an AED.  Vive CPR can assist with the physician requirement for AED purchases when needed.  The FDA has granted over the counter status for a Phillips model AED, such that a physician does not have to sign for the device.

Any person or entity that supplies an AED shall notify an agent of the local EMS agency of the existence, location, and type of AED acquired.

The AED must be maintained and regularly tested according to the operation and maintenance guidelines set forth by the manufacturer, the American Heart Association, and the American Red Cross, and according to any applicable rules and regulations set forth by the governmental authority under the federal Food and Drug Administration and any other applicable state and federal authority.  The AED must be checked for readiness after each use and at least once every 30 days if the AED has not been used in the preceding 30 days. Records of these checks shall be maintained.  There must be a written plan that describes the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency that may involve the use of an AED.  The written plan shall include, but not be limited to, immediate notification of 911 and trained office personnel at the start of AED procedures.

Building owners must ensure that tenants annually receive a brochure, approved as to content and style by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, which describes the proper use of an AED, and also ensure that similar information is posted next to any installed AED.  No less than once a year, building owners will notify their tenants as to the location of AED units in the building.

Any person who renders emergency care or treatment on a person in sudden cardiac arrest by using an AED must activate the emergency medical services system as soon as possible, and report any use of the AED to the licensed physician and to the local EMS agency.

If you’re thinking of buying an AED, we can help you find and purchase the right AED for your needs.

Vive CPR sells AEDs and AED accessories from a variety of manufacturers, including Defibtech, HeartSine, Cardiac Science, Physio-Control, Stryker, and ZOLL.  We will work with you to recommend an AED that is best suited to your environment, budget, and needs.  We offer some of the best prices you’ll find for AEDs and AED packages.  If you’re local, we even hand-deliver your AED and provide an in-service to review setup, maintenance, and use.  Learn more or contact us today to get started.