AED LAWS & REQUIREMENTS IN ARKANSAS

In Arkansas, the deployment and use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are regulated by specific statutes aimed at promoting public health and safety. Key requirements include:

 

Training:

Individuals expected to use an AED must complete a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED training course at least once every two years.

 

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Notification:

 Entities or individuals who acquire an AED are required to inform their local emergency communications or dispatch center about the existence, location, and type of AED.

 

Maintenance Program:

AEDs must be maintained and tested according to the manufacturer’s operational guidelines to ensure proper functionality.

 

Use Protocol:

In the event of using an AED on a person in cardiac arrest, the user must activate the emergency medical services system as soon as possible and report the clinical use of the AED to the responding medical provider.

 

Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs):

Schools are required to develop Cardiac Emergency Response Plans. Plans must identify personnel responsible for responding, establish protocols, determine AED locations, ensure routine AED maintenance, and update plans as needed.

 

Good Samaritan Protection:

Arkansas law provides immunity from civil liability for individuals and entities who, in good faith and without compensation, render emergency care using an AED. This immunity extends to:

• Physicians or medical facilities involved in AED placement.
• Individuals or entities providing CPR and AED training.
• Persons or entities responsible for the location where the AED is used.
  

 

However, this immunity does not cover acts of gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Placement in Schools:

Every public and charter school campus in Arkansas is required to have an AED on-site. A program coordinator must be designated at each school to be responsible for training oversight, equipment maintenance, and reviewing each AED us. School personnel must be adequately trained in CPR and AED use and are expected to respond to cardiac emergencies. Additionally, an AED must be available at each school-sponsored sporting event for grades 7-12.

Schools must report AED availability annually and submit incident reports following any AED use. Read more about Arkansas Rules 6 CAR 155-101 to 111. 

 

These regulations aim to enhance the availability and proper use of AEDs, thereby improving emergency response efforts across the state.