AED Requirements in District of Columbia
Every school in the District, whether public, charter, independent, private or parochial, must have at least one AED on site, keep it on a maintenance schedule and have trained staff present during school hours and athletic activities, and since the 2025-2026 school year each school must have a cardiac emergency response plan (D.C. Code § 7-2371.02c). The District must provide at least one AED and a trained person during operating hours at each staffed Department of Parks and Recreation facility (D.C. Code § 7-2371.02a).
District of Columbia AED Law Overview
Every school in the District, whether public, charter, independent, private or parochial, must have at least one AED on site, keep it on a maintenance schedule and have trained staff present during school hours and athletic activities, and since the 2025-2026 school year each school must have a cardiac emergency response plan (D.C. Code § 7-2371.02c). The District must provide at least one AED and a trained person during operating hours at each staffed Department of Parks and Recreation facility (D.C. Code § 7-2371.02a).
Every year, over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by 7-10%. Having an AED on-site and trained staff ready to use it can mean the difference between life and death.
Whether District of Columbia mandates AED placement for your organization or not, the investment in an AED program protects your employees, customers, and community — and can significantly reduce liability exposure.
Specific Requirements
- All schools (DC Public Schools, public charter, independent, private and parochial): at least one AED on site in a location named in the school's cardiac emergency response plan, with periodic testing and inspection and annual maintenance (D.C. Code §§ 7-2371.01, 7-2371.02c)
- All schools: CPR and AED training for coaches, athletic trainers, athletic directors, team physicians, school nurses and designated AED users, and at least one trained person present during school hours and athletic activities (D.C. Code § 7-2371.02c)
- Department of Parks and Recreation facilities regularly staffed by a paid District employee: at least one AED, a trained person during hours of operation, and periodic inspection and annual maintenance (D.C. Code § 7-2371.02a)
- Anyone who acquires an AED: a trained facility AED coordinator, maintenance and testing with written records, and notice of its location and type to the Fire and EMS Department and the 911 call center (D.C. Code § 7-2371.02)
Sources
- D.C. Code Chapter 23D, Public Access to Defibrillators (§§ 7-2371.01 to 7-2371.06)
- D.C. Law 25-254, Cardiac Planning and Response Amendment Act of 2024
These summaries were last checked against the official sources above in October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Other state or local rules may also apply; check the current law or ask an attorney about your organization.
Who Needs an AED in District of Columbia?
Offices & Workplaces
Corporate offices, coworking spaces, and business parks
The American Heart Association reports that 10,000 cardiac arrests occur in the workplace each year. Having an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%.
Schools & Universities
K-12 schools, colleges, and educational institutions
Student athletes and staff are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Many states now mandate AEDs in schools.
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Health clubs, yoga studios, CrossFit boxes, and recreation centers
Intense physical activity can trigger cardiac events. Most states require AEDs in fitness facilities.
Churches & Places of Worship
Churches, synagogues, mosques, and community halls
Large gatherings of all ages, often with elderly congregants, make AEDs essential for community safety.
Restaurants & Hotels
Restaurants, hotels, resorts, and hospitality venues
High foot traffic and diverse demographics make AEDs critical for guest safety and liability protection.
Construction & Industrial Sites
Construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing plants
Physical labor, heat stress, and remote locations make rapid cardiac response critical.
Sports Facilities
Stadiums, arenas, sports complexes, and athletic fields
Athletes of all ages face cardiac risks during high-intensity activity.
Medical & Dental Offices
Doctor offices, dental practices, outpatient clinics
Even in medical settings, an AED provides immediate response before advanced care arrives.
District of Columbia AED Compliance Checklist
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Defibtech Lifeline AED
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District of Columbia AED FAQs
Is an AED required in District of Columbia?
What are the penalties for not having an AED in District of Columbia?
Do I need training to use an AED?
How often do AED pads and batteries need replacing?
Does District of Columbia have Good Samaritan protection for AED users?
Where should I place an AED in my building?
Protect Your District of Columbia Business Today
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