Non-profit, government, education and multi-unit purchase discounts available!
Ohio AED Laws
The State of Ohio has very generous Good Samaritan Laws when it comes to the training, purchase, and placement of AED (Automated External Defibrillator) devices! AED owners are responsible to ensure that you are meeting compliance and readiness of their AEDs. Here is a summary of Ohio law when it comes to AEDs and training:
General Requirements
Training: Those possessing an AED shall encourage their expected users to complete a course in CPR/AED. Training is not required in order to use an AED.
Inspections: Those possessing an AED shall maintain and test the AED according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Notification: It is recommended that you notify your local EMS/Fire Department that you have installed and AED.
Ohio School AED Requirements
Ohio House Bill 47 was passed and signed into law in 2024, which created new AED requirements for schools.
Placement: House Bill 47 requires the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in each public and chartered nonpublic school. It also requires staff at these locations to be trained in the use of AEDs
Adult Training: No individual, including coaches and assistant coaches, shall coach an athletic activity unless the individual has completed the sudden cardiac arrest training course. The board of education of each school district shall provide training in the use of an automated external defibrillator to each teachers, principals, administrative employees, coaches, athletic trainers, any other person that supervises interscholastic athletics, and any other employee subject to in-service training requirements under division (A) of section 3319.073 of the Revised Code.
Student Training: Each school operated by a school district which offers grades nine to twelve shall provide instruction to students in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator. Instruction shall include the psychomotor skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use an automated external defibrillator and shall be either of the following:
This rule applies to: Any school operated by a school district board of education; Any chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school that is subject to the rules of an interscholastic conference or an organization that regulates interscholastic conferences or events. "Athletic activity" means all of the following: Interscholastic athletics; An athletic contest or competition that is sponsored by or associated with a school that is subject to this section, including cheerleading, club-sponsored sports activities, and sports activities sponsored by school-affiliated organizations; Noncompetitive cheerleading that is sponsored by school-affiliated organizations; Practices, interschool practices, and scrimmages for all of the activities
Ohio Municipal Recreation Facilities:
Placement: Require the placement of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in each sports and recreation location under the authority's control. "Sports and recreation location" means indoor recreation centers and facilities, gymnasiums, swimming pools, and playing fields that are designated, operated, and maintained for those uses as authorized by sections 755.12 to 755.18 of the Revised Code.
Training: Require that a sufficient number of the staff persons of each sports and recreation location successfully complete an appropriate training course in the use of an automated external defibrillator as described in section 3701.85 of the Revised Code.
Good Samaritan Laws - Ohio AEDs
Except in the cases of willful or wanton misconduct, no person shall be held liable for injury, death, or loss to person or property for any of the following:
Providing training in AED usage or CPR
Authorizing, directing, or supervising the installation or placement of an AED
Designing, managing, or operating a CPR or AED program
Acquiring an AED device
Owning, managing, or having responsibility for the premises or location where an AED is placed
Using an AED, regardless of whether the person has obtained training or completed a CPR course (except willful/wonton misconduct or when no effort to activate 911 was made)
The above content should not be construed as legal advice. It is written to provide best guidance to the public at the time of publishing this page (May 2024). Users should consult with their own legal counsel to ensure compliance with the most current laws in the State of Ohio and their local jurisdiction (which could differ from statewide laws).