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King County Washington home

AEDs and liability

Legislation related to AED use and implementation in King County

Washington state RCW 70.54.310

A 1998 Washington state law was enacted to promote implementation of a citizen defibrillation program by outlining acceptable practices and to protect medical directors and other program participants from civil liability in the use of an AED in an emergency setting. In addition, the legislation protects lay responders using a defibrillator in an emergency setting if that individual is acting as a Good Samaritan under RCW 4.24.300. In response, the Public Health EMS Division in partnership with the Seattle Fire Department and fire departments in King County developed the Community AED Program to reduce the time to defibrillation by having community members use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) before EMS arrives.

The King County EMS CPR/AED Program supports persons and organizations interested in acquiring an AED or establishing a CPR/AED program. In addition to providing educational and technical support, King County EMS helps AED owners meet the medical direction and registration requirements of RCW 70.54.310 through the availability of medical direction and a county-wide AED registry.

AEDs in fitness centers

Effective June 6, 2024, Fitness Centers in Washington State are required to have an AED on site. Learn more about RCW 70.54.315 and other requirements for AED owners under RCW 70.54.310.

High voltage lines and equipment

Effective January 1, 2025, Employers are required to make an AED available to employees who perform work on, or are in close proximity to high voltage lines and equipment. Learn more about House Bill 1542 and other requirements for AED owners under RCW 70.54.310.