Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for the Lay Rescuer

Registering your AED in Sacramento County

Thank you for taking the initiative to place an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in your community. AEDs are powerful tools that can help save lives during sudden cardiac arrest. Communities that promote CPR training and make AEDs easily accessible have seen significantly higher survival rates.

Legal Protections for AED Owners

Thanks to California Senate Bill 658, individuals and organizations that install AEDs are protected from civil liability—as long as they follow a few important steps:

What You Need to Do:

To be protected under the law, you must:

Follow all AED placement regulations
Notify Sacramento County EMS about the AED's location, type, and existence
Maintain and test the AED according to the manufacturer's instructions
Test the AED at least twice a year and after each use
Inspect the AED every 90 days
Keep records of all maintenance and testing

Additional Requirements Based on Location

If the AED is in a Building:

Notify tenants once a year about where the AED is located and provide information regarding voluntary CPR/AED training.
Offer a yearly demonstration to at least one person on how to use the AED
Post clear instructions (at least 14-point font) next to the AED

If the AED is in a K-12 School:

The principal must ensure staff receive annual training materials on:

Sudden cardiac arrest
The school's emergency response plan
How to use an AED

Post instructions (14-point font or larger) next to each AED
Notify school staff annually of AED locations on campus

What's No Longer Required

Medical oversight (doctor's approval) is not needed to buy or use an AED—unless you're a health studio
CPR certification for staff during business hours is no longer required

If the AED Is Used

If your AED is used in an emergency, please complete and submit the AED Utilization Form to Sacramento County EMS within 7 days.

Register Your AED

Make sure your AED is registered with Sacramento County EMS by submitting an AED Registration Form.

Questions?

We're here to help!
Call the Sacramento County EMS Agency at 916-875-9753 or email SCEMSAInfo@saccounty.gov for more information.

AED Links and helpful resources

AED Registration Form

Public Safety AED Provider Application

Public Safety AED Yearly Outcome Report

AED QI and Maintenance Form

Non-Licensed/Non-Certified AED Utilization Form