When a student collapses and seconds matter, will your school be ready? Or will confusion slow your response? In our recent webinar, emergency preparedness experts shared what every school health professional needs to know about knowing what to do during a cardiac emergency. AED legislation varies from state to state and changes often, so it’s critical to stay informed and ensure your school is always in compliance.
Types of AED Legislation in Schools
The intricacies of AED legislation can make it challenging for schools to stay compliant, especially if you don’t fully understand what’s required. Each state has its own laws that can vary widely, and nearly every state has proposed new AED legislation. Much of it targets schools, often creating a “follow the leader” effect as states model their requirements after others. Staying on top of these changes isn’t just smart — it’s essential to keeping your school prepared and protected.
Common elements of AED legislation include:
- Good Samaritan/Civil Liability: A legal protection to those who voluntarily offer assistance
- Schools: Generally covered if they comply with laws and AED is maintained and tested according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Personnel: Generally covered if staff or bystanders use the AED in an emergency in “good faith” and without “willful or wanton misconduct”.
- Trainers: Individuals or entities providing training are generally covered if they comply with statutory requirements and without “willful or wanton misconduct”.
- Basic AED Placement Laws: Having AEDs in the proper locations
- AED Use Reporting Laws: Reporting every incident an AED is used
- AED Training Requirements: Who, if any, must be trained?
- AED Placement Laws: Which entities must have an AED?
SH Connect's law center lets you easily review current and upcoming regulations to keep your school informed of urgent updates.
AED Placement in Schools
- 37 states require at least one AED on site at schools
- Many states require AEDs to be registered with local EMS
- Some states:
- Require AEDs at all athletic events
- Require AEDs at all school sponsored events
- Require AEDs in prominent locations around buildings
- Try for AED placement allowing a 3-minute response time
- Differentiate between public and private schools
Get a better idea of your state's AED requirements using the map below.
*CERP = Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. Learn more about CERPs here.
AED Training Requirements
Some states have few or no mandates for AED training, while others have multiple. Most commonly, athletic coaches and trainers need to stay certified, usually renewing every two years through the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Red Cross. In some states, schools take it a step further by establishing emergency response teams with certain personnel.
It’s not just staff—many states require students to have AED training or education, sometimes making it a high school graduation requirement. In some places, students start learning as early as 7th grade as part of their health curriculum.
Staying compliant and prepared doesn’t have to be complicated. School Health has the tools and expertise you need to create a complete AED Emergency Plan—so your staff knows exactly what to do when every second counts.
Our expert, Vince P., can provide a no-obligation consultation to help ensure your school is ready for a cardiac emergency.
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