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King County Washington home

Set up an AED program

These steps will help set up an AED program and ensure a smooth transition when emergency personnel arrive on the scene of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

After calling 911, the EMS personnel, the EMS system, and its medical directors take responsibility for every person treated with an AED in a public place, along with future care providers.

Opening an AED unit

Assign a site coordinator

Select a site coordinator to oversee your AED program. The site coordinator is the site-based point of contact for information or oversight of the AED.  Site coordinators may directly or indirectly support:

  • Selection or purchase of AED 
  • Development of site's AED policies and procedures
  • AED maintenance
  • AED use reporting
  • AED/CPR training needs
  • Interaction with AED management company, if applicable
  • Interaction with King County EMS AED Program, when necessary

Acquire an AED

Anyone can purchase an AED through medical supply companies or online vendors. AEDs are manufactured and sold under guidelines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may require a physician's prescription for the device. You can get a prescription from a physician or osteopath of your choice, or request a prescription free of charge from King County Emergency Medical Services.

Choosing an AED can be confusing. There are several AEDs on the market that can meet the needs of your company or organization. We do not recommend one device or vendor over another. Our AED selection guide can help you find the AED that is best for your unique need and circumstances.

Acquire medical direction

Acquire guidance on how to use your AED by getting Medical Direction from a physician of your choice, or request Medical Direction free of charge from the Seattle or King County EMS Medical Director.

Register your AED

Register your AED(s) so 911 dispatchers can quickly direct a caller to the location of the nearest AED. Please report any changes to your AED registration information (device, location, site coordinator information, etc.).

Get AED training

Provide training to a reasonable number of employees, staff, or family members on CPR/AED use, consistent with national standards for CPR and AED use.

Develop a maintenance plan

Develop a plan for regular checks and maintenance of your device consistent with the manufacturer's guidelines, including routine check of battery operation and replacement of expired chest pads.

Know what to do after using an AED

Contact King County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), as soon as possible after an AED use, even if no shock was delivered (required in King County, per RCW 70.54.310). Contact aed@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-4693. If you use an AED management company, please contact EMS first.

Request a site visit, if necessary

Site visits can be provided by local fire departments or King County EMS if you need help with deciding:

  • How many AEDs you need for your building
  • Where AEDs should be placed in your building
  • What level of accessibility the AED should have
  • How to keep the AED secure

To arrange a site visit, contact Laura Miccile, CPR/PAD Program Manager, at 206-477-8664 or at laura.miccile@kingcounty.gov

AED program implementation resources