In West Virginia, AED programs are subject to a range of requirements, including maintenance, training, medical oversight, AED placement reporting, EMS activation, post-event reporting, and program registration. Under the Good Samaritan law, all participants in AED programs receive protection, albeit solely for AED-related activities, with other activities remaining uncovered. Immunity under this law hinges on adherence to specified administrative and operational requirements. Notably, West Virginia mandates the placement of AEDs at school athletic events, as well as in underground coal mines, surface mines, and quarries.
West Virginia Law Key Takeaways
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Good Samaritan Protection:
- Untrained rescuers are covered under the Good Samaritan law, along with those who comply with AED registration and training regulations.
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AED Training:
- AED acquirers must ensure that expected users of the AED receive CPR/AED training.
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AED Registration:
- Acquirers are obligated to register the AED program with EMS and inform EMS of the AED's location.
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Medical Oversight:
- Acquirers must designate a licensed physician as the medical director to oversee the AED program. (Residency of the medical director within the state is not obligatory.)
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Schools:
- CPR instruction is mandatory for all students before high school graduation, and while CPR training may optionally include AED training, it's not a requirement.
- All schools must have an AED onsite during school athletic events.
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Coal Mines:
- Quarries and coal mines are required to have first aid equipment, including an AED.
AED's save lives every day and you can make a difference! Besides the states requirements, we believe AED's should be readily available everywhere, within arms reach in case of an emergency.
Please call with any additional questions at 1-800-441-8378.
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