AED LAWS & REQUIREMENTS IN MAINE
In Maine, the deployment and use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are governed by specific statutes designed to promote public health and safety. Key requirements include:
Medical Oversight:
Entities or individuals acquiring an AED must consult with a licensed physician for technical assistance regarding the selection, storage, use, and maintenance of the AED, as well as the training of potential operators and protocols for its use.
Training:
Only individuals who have successfully completed a course on the use and operation of an AED from the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or the Maine Department of Health and Human Services are authorized to use an AED on another person.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Notification:
AED owners or lessees are required to notify the Maine Emergency Medical Services of the location and type of AED they possess. Additionally, they must report any clinical use of the AED to the same agency.
Maintenance Program:
The AED must be maintained and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and any additional requirements set forth by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to ensure its readiness for use during emergencies.
Use Protocol:
Upon using an AED, the user must activate the emergency medical services system as soon as possible and report any clinical use of the AED to the Maine Emergency Medical Services.
Good Samaritan Protection:
Maine law provides immunity from civil liability for individuals and entities who, in good faith and without compensation, render emergency care using an AED. This protection extends to:
- Individuals or entities that acquire an AED.
- Individuals or entities responsible for the premises where an AED is located.
- Individuals who retrieve or use an AED in response to a perceived sudden cardiac arrest emergency.
- Physicians or other authorized individuals who issue a prescription for the purchase of an AED.
- Individuals or entities involved in the design, management, or operation of an AED program.
- Individuals or entities that provide instruction in the use of an AED.
This immunity does not cover acts of gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
Placement in Schools:
Maine law encourages school boards to place AEDs in occupied school buildings and at school athletic events. Public schools are required to offer training to students on how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use AEDs.
These regulations aim to encourage the availability and proper use of AEDs, thereby enhancing emergency response efforts across the state.
