{"":null}
Emergency Law Inventory | Full Law Text

Law Number

RCW 70.54.310

Summary Title

Good Samaritan: Use of AED

Summary

An individual who uses an AED at the scene of an emergency, as well as any other individuals providing care at the same incident, will not be held legally responsible for any personal injury that results. They can be held legally responsible if acting with extreme carelessness or intent to cause harm.

Full Title

Semiautomatic external defibrillator — Duty of acquirer — Immunity from civil liability

Full Text

(1) As used in this section, “defibrillator” means a semiautomatic external defibrillator as prescribed by a physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW or an osteopath licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW. (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.

Save as PDF Back to Laws