What are the Liability Concerns for a person using an AED?
Good Samaritan laws have been passed in all fifty states that protect rescuers from civil immunity in cases where they volunteer to help. This legislation extends to the use of AEDs and applies as long as the rescuer is not paid to perform rescue skills as part of his job. Paramedics, EMTs, and emergency room personnel may not be covered by the same protection afforded to volunteer rescuers. Good Samaritan laws differ from state to state. Some protect rescuers who use AEDs even if they never went through training while others require completion of a state or nationally recognized class. Other states not only protect the rescuer but also the physician who serves as medical director, the owner of the facility where the AED is located, and even the person or entity that provided training in AED and CPR skills. Since such variation exists, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the statutes that apply to your state.
