Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere. When the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by an estimated 7 to 10 percent. In those critical moments, immediate action from bystanders can mean the difference between life and death.
High-quality CPR keeps oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and vital organs, while an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can restore a normal heart rhythm by delivering a controlled electrical shock when needed.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of what AEDs are, how to use them, and why simply having one on the wall isn’t enough to keep your California business compliant.
What is an AED?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight, portable medical device that can analyze a person’s heart rhythm. If it detects a life-threatening heart rhythm that can be treated with defibrillation, it delivers a controlled electrical shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm.
Modern AEDs are designed to be used by everyday people—not just healthcare professionals. Once powered on, they provide clear voice prompts that guide rescuers through each step of the process.
How to Use an AED
If someone collapses, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR. As soon as the AED arrives, follow these steps:
1. Turn the AED on:
Press the power button or open the lid (depending on the model). From this moment, clear voice prompts will guide you through every action.
2. Attach the pads:
Expose the person’s bare chest by removing or cutting away clothing. Peel the backing off the sticky electrode pads and place them exactly as illustrated on the pads (usually one on the upper right chest, and one on the lower left side).
3. Let the AED analyze: Do not touch the patient.
The device will automatically analyze the person’s heart rhythm. It will instruct everyone to “stand clear” so it can get an accurate reading while no one is touching the person.
4. Deliver a shock (if advised):
If a shock is needed, the AED will tell you to press the flashing shock button (some models shock automatically). Ensure no one is touching the person. After the shock—or if no shock is advised—immediately resume CPR until emergency services take over.
Common Myths About AEDs
Myth: I might accidentally shock someone who doesn’t need it.
Fact: AEDs are designed to deliver a shock only when they detect a life-threatening rhythm that can be treated with defibrillation. If a shock isn’t needed, the device simply won’t allow one to be delivered.
Myth: I could be sued if I make a mistake while trying to help.
Fact: California’s Good Samaritan laws (Civil Code § 1714.21) specifically protect everyday citizens who step in to help during an emergency using an AED and CPR. However, the business that owns the AED is only protected from liability if they are actively compliant with state maintenance, testing, and employee training laws.
California AED Compliance Requirements
California has specific legal requirements for AED ownership and maintenance. Under the state Health and Safety Code, if your facility is required to have an AED (such as health studios, large assembly buildings, and schools), or if you voluntarily install one, you must adhere to strict compliance standards to maintain liability protection. This includes:
- Maintenance & Testing: Devices must be checked for readiness after each use, undergo 30-day visual checks (as required by most manufacturers), and have 90-day documented inspections for operability issues. Failing to document these inspections may jeopardize the liability protections available under California law.
- Training Requirements: For every AED unit a business acquires (up to five), at least one employee must complete a state-approved CPR and AED training course.
- EMS Notification: The local Emergency Medical Services agency must be notified of the existence, location, and type of AED acquired.
- Tenant Notification: If the AED is in a building with tenants, the building owner must notify tenants annually of its location and offer an annual demonstration on how to use it.
AED Maintenance Checklist
Click here to download our free Monthly AED Maintenance Checklist to see if your current devices are rescue-ready.
How Safety Training Pros Can Help
Having an AED on the wall is only the first step. Keeping it properly maintained, ensuring employees know how to use it, and meeting California’s compliance requirements are what truly prepare your workplace for an emergency.
That’s where an experienced AED program partner can help. For 15 years, Safety Training Pros has provided end-to-end emergency readiness for businesses in Sacramento, and throughout Northern California. Whether you are outfitting a new office or upgrading your current safety protocols, we offer:
- AED Sales & Supplies: Access to top-tier devices, replacement batteries, and adult/pediatric pads.
- AED Program Management: We take the guesswork out of California Health & Safety Code compliance. Our service includes automated tracking, regular on-site inspections, and pad/battery replacements so your devices are always rescue-ready.
- CPR, AED & First Aid Training: OSHA-compliant CPR, AED, and First Aid certification delivered directly to your facility by experienced professionals, ensuring you meet employee training mandates.
An emergency is never the time to discover a dead battery, expired electrode pads, or gaps in your workplace safety plan. Whether you need to purchase your first AED, maintain an existing program, or train your team, Safety Training Pros helps businesses throughout Sacramento and Northern California stay prepared, compliant, and ready to respond when every second counts.