East Jefferson Fire Rescue receives frequent inquiries with respect to public access defibrillators. Scroll down for information on AED acquisition and legal information. Also listed here are three representatives for a variety of products that are on the market. We do not recommend one product over another, but provide this information as a starting point for your organization. Medtronic: Tom Winstel:  253-651-7695 mobile,  tom.winstel@medtronic.com Cardiac Science Company: Jeffery Hoyt, 888-274-3342 Phillips Company, Enerspct Medical Solutions: Jennifer Voytko, 888-522-5574

Below is RCW 70.54.310 which legally explains your rights and obligations if your organization or business acquires a public access AED.    RCW 70.54.310 Semiautomatic external defibrillator — Duty of acquirer — Immunity from civil liability.   (1) As used in this section, "defibrillator" means a semiautomatic external defibrillator as prescribed by a physician licensed under chapter 18.71RCW or an osteopath licensed under chapter 18.57RCW.      (2) A person or entity who acquires a defibrillator shall ensure that:      (a) Expected defibrillator users receive reasonable instruction in defibrillator use and cardiopulmonary resuscitation by a course approved by the department of health;      (b) The defibrillator is maintained and tested by the acquirer according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines;      (c) Upon acquiring a defibrillator, medical direction is enlisted by the acquirer from a licensed physician in the use of the defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation;      (d) The person or entity who acquires a defibrillator shall notify the local emergency medical services organization about the existence and the location of the defibrillator; and      (e) The defibrillator user shall call 911 or its local equivalent as soon as possible after the emergency use of the defibrillator and shall assure that appropriate follow-up data is made available as requested by emergency medical service or other health care providers.      (3) A person who uses a defibrillator at the scene of an emergency and all other persons and entities providing services under this section are immune from civil liability for any personal injury that results from any act or omission in the use of the defibrillator in an emergency setting.      (4) The immunity from civil liability does not apply if the acts or omissions amount to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.      (5) The requirements of subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to any individual using a defibrillator in an emergency setting if that individual is acting as a good samaritan under RCW 4.24.300. [1998 c 150 § 1.]

To have a public access AED you need to inform our area medical director with a letter similar to the one shown below. ( Print on agency letterhead.)    Date:  To:                   MEDICAL AED AUTHORIZATION Location of AED:               Location phone:                Contact:                             Product:                             Authorizing Physician:                                                                                                                                                       Authorizing Physician Signature                                            Date