Can You Use an AED Without Being Certified in Washington DC?
Can you use an automated external defibrillator (AED) without being certified in Washington, DC? Yes, and knowing the answer to this question can be the difference between someone surviving a heart attack and losing their life. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the legalities of AED certification.
Good Samaritan Statutes: Guidance For Public Use of AED Units
Regarding AED certification, the District of Columbia mandates that public spaces with heightened occupancy thresholds must have AEDs on the premises, and “Good Samaritan” statutes protect individual users of AEDs who operate them responsibly and in good faith. D.C. Code § 7-2371.03, AED use and tort immunity, requires that AED units undergo regular maintenance and testing according to the manufacturer’s requirements. Additionally, the results of these tests must be recorded so that written records may be produced.
The Department of Health in Washington, DC, certifies the AED’s registration. Other relevant statutes include D.C. Code § 7–2371.02, Access by the public to defibrillation. Individuals should contact an attorney if they think they have a legal claim regarding AED unit usage.
Public Safety and Public Risk
Members of the public may feel overwhelmed during a medical emergency. The injured person’s family members may freeze and not understand what steps to take to assist someone who is suffering a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Therefore, understanding the legalities of AED certification in Washington, DC, is crucial.
Members of the public who are uncertified but need to use an AED unit should learn how to operate it by reading the instructions and guidelines printed on the device. It can be counterintuitive to slow down during an emergency, but the less startled and panicked someone is, the more likely it is that the injured party will be able to recover their health due to the proper use of the AED unit.
Contact Us for Information on AED Certification in Washington, DC, and a Free Case Evaluation
Can you use an AED without being certified in Washington, DC? The knowledgeable attorneys at Price Benowitz can help clarify any misunderstandings you may have regarding your legal rights, premises liability, and public safety codes.
Reach out today to schedule a free case evaluation. Our attorneys understand how isolating it can feel when searching for answers to your legal questions and will do everything within their power to provide you with exceptional legal representation.
