AED requirements in Oregon state that an automated external defibrillator (AED) must be placed in certain facilities, including schools, swimming pools, health clubs, dental offices, and places of public assembly. Oregon state AED law also provides immunity protection to certain people involved in the provision of automated external defibrillators.
It’s important for the owners, managers, and users of relevant Oregon facilities to understand what the applicable state laws are so that they can ensure that their AED programs comply with the law and be ready to respond in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
Good Samaritan Protection
Oregon State AED law provides immunity protection for those responsible for automated external defibrillator use, as per Oregon Revised Statutes – 30.802[mfn]oregon.public.law[/mfn]. This protection applies to:
- Rescuers
- AED acquirers
- AED trainers
- A physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or naturopathic physician who provided services related to AED placement or use
The immunity does not apply if there was gross negligence, “reckless, wanton, or intentional misconduct,” or if the event requiring an automated external defibrillator occurred at a place where emergency medical care is readily available.
Schools and Camps
As per Oregon Revised Statutes, 339.345[mfn]oregon.public.law[/mfn], all public and private schools must have at least one AED on site. Furthermore, as per Oregon Revised Statutes, 336.472[mfn]law.justia.com[/mfn], the health education curriculum or physical education curriculum for students in grades 7 through 12 should provide instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of AEDs.
Residential camps that have at least 100 people on site must have at least one automated external defibrillator on-site with adult and pediatric capabilities, as per Oregon Administrative Rules, 333-030-0105[mfn]oregon.public.law[/mfn].
Recommended AED for Schools and Camps
The ZOLL AED Plus is an excellent automated external defibrillator for schools because of its lightweight, compact design and easy-to-follow instructions.
Special features of the ZOLL AED Plus include:
- ZOLL Pedi Padz II (sold separately)
- Easy pad placement
- Dust, water, and shock resistance
- CPR coaching with real-time feedback
- Automatic and semi-automatic models available
Health Clubs and Swimming Pools
Indoor health clubs that have at least 50 employees, patrons, or members who engage in physical activity on business days should have at least one automated external defibrillator on-site, as stated in Oregon Revised Statutes, 431.680[mfn]law.justia.com[/mfn].
As per OR Admin Rules § 333-060-0210[mfn]oregon.gov[/mfn], general use swimming pools and pools that are part of health clubs serving 100 or more patrons per day are also required to have an AED on-site and accessible.
Recommended AED for Health Clubs and Swimming Pools
The HeartSine Samaritan PAD automated external defibrillator series (Samaritan PAD 350P, Samaritan PAD 360P, Samaritan PAD 450P) is ideal for health clubs and swimming pools because of their extremely lightweight and rugged design.
Features of the HeartSine Samaritan PAD series include:
- Military drop-testing
- IP56 dust and water rating
- Pediatric pads (sold separately)
- Simple two-button operation
- Smallest and lightest AED on the market at only 2.4 lbs
Dental Offices
A dental office in Oregon where moderate sedation (Oregon Administrative Rules, 818-026-0060[mfn]oregon.public.law[/mfn]), deep sedation (Oregon Administrative Rules, 818-026-0065[mfn]oregon.public.law[/mfn]), or general anesthesia (Oregon Administrative Rules, 818-026-0070[mfn]oregon.public.law[/mfn]) is used is required to have an AED on site in addition to other medical equipment, including a pulse oximeter, precordial/pretracheal stethoscope, and intravenous fluid administration equipment.
Recommended AED for Dental Offices
The Philips HeartStart FRx is an excellent defibrillator for dental offices thanks to its optional CPR coaching and features that support continuity of care. The Philips HeartStart FRx comes with:
- A cost-saving child/infant key
- Rugged construction
- Pads that are compatible with advanced EMS defibrillators for easy transfer of care
Places of Public Assembly
According to Oregon Revised Statutes, 431A.455[mfn]oregon.public.law[/mfn], places with at least 50,000 square feet of indoor space and where more than 50 people gather on a normal business day must have at least one automated external defibrillator on the premises. Community colleges and public universities must have one AED for each place of public assembly.
Places of worship are not required to have an AED on-site, but having an AED in a church is an excellent measure to take to be ready in the case of cardiac arrest.
Recommended AED for Places of Public Assembly
All of the AEDs mentioned previously are ideal for places of public assembly. Anticipated users should be trained in their use and the device should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Signage, Maintenance, Training, and Communication
Oregon law states that:
- The location of AEDs must be indicated with clear signage.
- All AEDs must be tested and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- An adequate number of staff members must be trained in CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator.
- There must always be a trained employee on-site during regular business hours.
- The emergency medical services system should be informed immediately in the case of sudden cardiac arrest.
Make sure to use an automated external defibrillator approved by the FDA, and follow all compliance requirements on a regular basis.
Ensure Compliance with AED Program Management
If you are a business manager or facility owner in the state of Oregon, AED program management can help you ensure that your AED program complies with all of the relevant state laws.
Making sure you have the right number of AEDs, in the right places, and designated responders trained in their use will ensure that each AED is ready to save a life.
Information Sources
