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King County Washington home

What to do if an AED is used after a Sudden Cardiac Arrest

When an AED is used, it records very important medical data that is necessary for improved patient care and quality review, thus increasing the chances of survival. Washington state law (RCW 70.54.310) requires that the user of the defibrillator contact EMS as soon as possible to download the AED data.

AED Site Coordinators should insure that in the event of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, a plan is in place to restore the AED into service and inform EMS about the use of the device as soon as possible.

Activating an AED deviceResponsibilities of the AED Site Coordinator

After getting an AED, make a plan to report any use of a Public Access Defibrillator to King County Emergency Services. This includes events where no shock was delivered.

  • After use of an AED, DO replace the pads. The device will make a chirping sound until the pads are replaced.
  • After use of an AED, DO NOT remove the battery. The system will erase all data. The battery is not causing the chirping sound.
  • Contact King County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) right away. You can reach them at AED@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-4693, as stated in RCW 70.54.310. Tell them you used your AED and it needs a download. Leave a voicemail message with your phone number if no one answers. If you use an AED management company, please contact EMS first. Contact EMS even if no shock was delivered.

An After Use in an Emergency card (540 KB) is available to attach to an AED as a reminder.

Responsibilities of Emergency Medical Services

  • Come to your site after an AED is used to download the report from your device.
  • Provide data to medical providers for improved patient care.
  • Evaluate data to improve emergency response systems.

AEDs only work if you can find them

Registering an AED is an important step to knowing its location. It takes less than 5 minutes to add your device to the King County registry. When you register your AED, 911 dispatchers can match a SCA victim's location to the nearest AED so you can use it more quickly.