Public access AED program - King County, Washington

Washington State Law requires placement of an AED in Fitness Centers

Beginning 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, or select a topic below.

High Voltage Lines and Equipment

Beginning January 1, 2025, Employers will be 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, or select a topic below

It's shockingly simple to save a life.

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AED site implementation

Follow steps designed to assist in the implementation of an AED program and help preserve the principle of continuity of emergency patient care.

Prescription and purchasing

Most AED models require a prescription, which can be obtained through King County EMS. Washington state law also requires that a licensed physician provide medical direction to a person or entity for the use of the device.

AED registration form

After purchasing your AED, the next step is to register it with King County EMS. When your device is registered, 911 dispatchers can direct callers to the nearest AED in an emergency.

Request medical direction for an AED

The Medical Director will provide medically approved protocol to assist you in developing an AED program appropriate for your home or business.

AED training

In accordance with Washington state law, AED users should receive reasonable instruction in defibrillator use and CPR.

What to do after a sudden cardiac arrest

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about AEDs

Learn about whether someone can be injured from an AED; the difference between prescription and medical direction; applicable laws; what to do after an AED is used and more.

AED program history

In 1998, the Washington State Legislature enacted a specific law (RCW 70.54.310) to facilitate implementation compliance of a citizen defibrillation program. With increased technology resources, the role of the Community Responder continues to evolve.

Sudden cardiac arrest survivor stories

Learn how bystanders acted quickly, beginning chest compressions and calling 911 while locating the nearest AED and using it to save the life of Bob McCleskey, CEO of Sellen Construction and on another occasion, the life of Bill Krueger, former Seattle Mariners pitcher.

Medically-approved protocols for use of an AED in King County

Follow the 3 main steps to use an AED and observe critical actions when saving someone from sudden cardiac arrest.

User agreement and Washington state AED legislation

The purpose of having a user agreement is to inform the owner/user/acquirer of an automated external defibrillator (AED) of Washington state requirements as defined in RCW 70.54.310.

Shockingly Simple resources

Download posters and access key links related to the Shockingly Simple campaign.

Today, there are more than 5,000 registered AEDs in King County – contributing to our county having one of the highest witnessed out-of-hospital defibrillation SCA survival rates in the world.

When seconds can mean life or death, make sure your organization is prepared.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a serious condition that causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Who experiences SCA?

Nationally, SCA is the #3 killer of Americans (The Institute of Medicine), with more than 300,000 cases per year (Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation). This means every 1-2 minutes, an American experiences SCA (National Center for Early Defibrillation). There is no victim profile – SCA can happen to anyone.

What can I do if someone around me experiences SCA?

Untreated, SCA survival rate is about 10% (The Institute of Medicine). With use of a lifesaving device called an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), the chance of survival increases by more than 30%. For every minute without treatment, survival decreases up to 10% (SCA Foundation).

If you see SCA, you need to act fast! Call 911, start chest compressions, find an AED, and follow the prompts.

What is an AED?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks for an abnormal heart rhythm and can deliver an electric shock to the heart in an attempt to restore a normal rhythm.

Businesses and private residences can prepare for a SCA event by placing an AED at their worksite or home. If a device isn't currently available, ask your employer or property manager to consider obtaining an AED.

How do I get an AED?

AEDs can be purchased by the general public through medical supply companies or online vendors. They are manufactured and sold under guidelines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may require a physician's or osteopath's prescription for the device. AEDs also require medical direction and registration of the device.

Get a prescription from a physician or osteopath of your choice, or request a prescription free of charge from the Seattle or King County Medical Director.
Receive 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 Medical Director.

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.

CONTACT

For questions about the Public Access AED Program and CPR education, contact:

Laura Miccile, CPR/PAD Program Manager

Email: laura.miccile@kingcounty.gov
Phone: 206-477-8664

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NEW!

It's shockingly simple to save a life.

Select a topic to navigate through this site

AED site implementation

Prescription and purchasing

AED registration form

Request medical direction for an AED

AED training

What to do after a sudden cardiac arrest

Frequently Asked Questions about AEDs

AED program history

Sudden cardiac arrest survivor stories

Medically-approved protocols for use of an AED in King County

User agreement and Washington state AED legislation

Shockingly Simple resources

Today, there are more than 5,000 registered AEDs in King County – contributing to our county having one of the highest witnessed out-of-hospital defibrillation SCA survival rates in the world.

When seconds can mean life or death, make sure your organization is prepared.

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NEW!

It's shockingly simple to save a life.

Select a topic to navigate through this site

Today, there are more than 5,000 registered AEDs in King County – contributing to our county having one of the highest witnessed out-of-hospital defibrillation SCA survival rates in the world.

When seconds can mean life or death, make sure your organization is prepared.