{"AED":"Automated External Defibrillator"}
Emergency Law Inventory | Full Law Text

Law Number

R.I. Gen. Laws 9-1-34

Summary Title

Liability: Use of an AED

Summary

An individual, who, without compensation, provides training or emergency care using CPR or an AED will not be held legally responsible for acting or for failing to act. They can be held legally responsible if acting with extreme carelessness or intent to cause harm. A physician medical director will not be held legally responsible for directing the use of an AED. This liability protection only applies if the individual received CPR or AED training based on guidelines issued by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

Full Title

Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation or automated external defibrillation -- Immunity from liability

Full Text

(a) No person, whether acting in an official capacity or as a private volunteer, who gratuitously renders emergency assistance in the nature of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or automated external defibrillation to a person in need thereof, shall be liable for civil damages for any personal injuries which result from acts or omissions by such persons rendering the emergency care, which may constitute ordinary negligence; provided, however, that this immunity applies only to persons who have been trained in accordance with standards promulgated by either the American heart association or the American national red cross. This immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross, willful, or wanton negligence. This immunity shall also extend to persons providing approved training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of automated external defibrillation in accordance with standards promulgated by either the American heart association or the American national red cross and to physicians providing medical direction oversight for programs of automated external defibrillator use. (b) Property lessees and owners where the emergency assistance occurs as well as the owners of the actual life saving equipment shall enjoy immunity from liability.

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