The State of Alaska has created the Alaska AED Law that protects organizations that own an AED and individuals that use the AED. Over 350,000 Americans are lost each year due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Many organizations do not want to assume liability by owning an AED. Alaska's AED Law will protect organizations that own an AED if the organization follows the law. The Alaska AED law requirements are the following:
"(b) A person who acquires or provides an automated external defibrillator device for use on a victim of a perceived medical emergency is not liable for civil damages resulting from the use or attempted use of the device. This subsection does not apply to civil damages resulting from the failure of the person who acquires or provides the device to:
- notify the local emergency medical response authority or other appropriate entity of the most recent placement of the device within 30 days following placement of the device;
- properly maintain and test the device;
- provide, within a reasonable proximity to the device's usual location, a means of notifying the local emergency medical response authority that an emergency exists in the event that a medical emergency occurs where the device is used; or
- provide appropriate training in the use of the device to an employee or agent of the person who acquires the device when the employee or agent was the person who used the device on the victim; this paragraph does not apply and immunity is provided under this subsection if:
a. the employee or agent who used the device on the victim was not an employee or agent who would have been reasonably expected to use the device; b. the period of time elapsing between hiring the person as an employee or agent and the occurrence of the harm, or between the acquisition of the device and the occurrence of the harm, in any case in which the device was acquired after hiring the employee or agent was not in excess of six months; c. the device was intended for and placed in a location where the person or entity would not regularly have an employee or agent present; or d. the device was placed in a location that provided public access to the device by persons who volunteer to use the device and are not employees or agents of the person who acquires or provides the device."Understanding the requirements of the state law allows any organization the ability to protect itself from liability of owning an AED."
Understanding the requirements of the state law allows any organization the ability to protect itself from liability of owning an AED. The Alaska AED Law requires the organization to notify local emergency response center of the automatic external defibrillator (AED) that was just purchased.
The organization must maintain the AED by replacing the batteries and pads per the manufacture's guidelines and complete regular testing of the AED. To ensure that the AED is fully functional, the organization should complete monthly inspections of the AED. Depending on the type of AED, someone must verify that the status indicator light is flashing or that the AED's display shows that it is OK. The monthly inspections should also include checking the adult and infant/child pads to make sure that the expiration date has not been surpassed.
The organization should have staff members trained on how to perform effective CPR and how to utilize an AED during an emergency. Having the staff trained makes those individuals more prepared for when an emergency does happen.
To view the Alaska AED Law, CLICK HERE.
Our goal at AED-SHOP.com is to educate the public about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how AEDs increase the survival rate. In need of an AED for your organization, CPR training for your staff, or AED replacement accessories? Contact us today with your questions or concerns at 877-251-7467 or customerservice@aed-shop.com.
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