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How Colorado Regulates AED Use and Training
Colorado has established laws and regulations that guide how CPR is performed and how Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are used in public and professional settings. These rules focus on improving emergency response during sudden cardiac arrest while protecting individuals who provide life-saving assistance. The state outlines legal protections for rescuers, program requirements for AED owners, and training expectations for organizations that maintain these devices.
State statutes such as the Good Samaritan law and AED program regulations encourage immediate action during medical emergencies. Colorado also sets specific requirements for certain professions, including school athletic coaches and dental providers, while promoting broader public access to AEDs in schools, workplaces, and community spaces. Together, these policies help ensure that CPR and AED response across the state is supported by clear legal protections, proper training, and coordinated emergency planning.
This blog covers Colorado’s laws and regulations for AED use, including program requirements, training, public access, school and dental office mandates, EMS standards, and Good Samaritan protections.
What Are the Requirements for AED Programs in Colorado?
Under Colorado Revised Statutes §13-21-108.1, organizations, businesses, and public facilities that install an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must follow specific program requirements to ensure the device can be safely used during a cardiac emergency.
Here are the key requirements for AED programs:
Registration: AEDs are required to be registered with the authorities.
Medical Oversight: AED programs operate under the guidance of a licensed physician or medical director who helps establish response protocols and training standards.
Notify Local EMS: Organizations must inform the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or 911 dispatch center about the AED’s location and device type so emergency responders are aware that an AED is available at the facility.
Maintain the AED Properly: The AED must be maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, including regular device checks and ensuring that batteries and electrode pads remain functional.
Keep Maintenance Records: Facilities should maintain inspection and maintenance documentation to verify the AED is in working condition and ready for use during an emergency.
Provide CPR and AED Training: Expected responders should complete CPR and AED training through a nationally recognized training program so they can operate the device correctly during a sudden cardiac arrest event.
Develop a Written AED Program Plan: Organizations should implement a written emergency response plan outlining AED placement, staff responsibilities, training procedures, and coordination with emergency responders.
Coordinate With Emergency Responders: The AED program should include procedures for contacting EMS immediately and reporting AED use after an emergency.
These requirements help ensure AED devices are accessible, properly maintained, and supported by trained responders, improving survival outcomes during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.
Do You Need Training to Use an AED in Colorado?
Colorado law allows any person to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during a medical emergency, even if they are not formally trained. The state’s AED statute, Colorado Revised Statutes §13-21-108.1, encourages immediate action during sudden cardiac arrest and provides liability protection for individuals who use an AED in good faith.
However, organizations that install AEDs are generally expected to ensure that anticipated responders receive CPR and AED training from a nationally recognized program. Training programs typically follow nationally accepted emergency cardiovascular care guidelines and teach participants how to recognize cardiac arrest, perform CPR, and operate an AED safely. Although training is not strictly required for bystanders, having trained responders improves emergency preparedness and increases the chances of survival during sudden cardiac arrest.
What Should an AED Emergency Response Plan Include In Colorado?
Colorado AED programs are expected to maintain a written emergency response plan to ensure that staff can respond quickly and effectively during a sudden cardiac arrest. These plans support compliance with Colorado Revised Statutes §13-21-108.1 and help coordinate AED use with local emergency medical services.
A comprehensive AED emergency response plan should include:
AED Location and Accessibility: Clearly identify where AED devices are placed within the facility so they can be quickly retrieved during an emergency.
Emergency Response Procedures: Establish step-by-step procedures for recognizing cardiac arrest, calling 911 or local EMS, starting CPR, and using the AED.
Assigned Responders: Identify employees or staff members who are expected to respond to medical emergencies and retrieve the AED.
CPR and AED Training: Ensure designated responders receive CPR and AED certification from a nationally recognized training provider.
EMS Coordination: Include procedures for notifying local EMS agencies about the AED location and ensuring emergency responders can easily access the device when needed.
Device Maintenance Procedures: Outline how the AED will be inspected and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines, including battery and electrode pad checks.
Post-Incident Reporting: Provide a process for documenting and reporting AED use after a medical emergency and coordinating with emergency responders.
Having a structured AED emergency response plan ensures organizations are prepared to respond quickly to cardiac emergencies while maintaining compliance with Colorado AED program requirements.
Where Are AEDs Allowed in Public Places in Colorado?
Colorado law encourages broad access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in locations where people gather. Under Colorado Revised Statutes §25-53-102, public schools and entities that own or manage public places are encouraged to install AEDs to improve emergency response during sudden cardiac arrest.
A public place is generally defined as an indoor or outdoor location that can hold 100 or more people and is open to the public, such as large venues or facilities.
Common locations where AEDs may be placed include:
Public schools and educational facilities
Government buildings and municipal facilities
Airports, transportation hubs, and large venues
Sports arenas, stadiums, and fitness centers
Shopping centers, malls, and large retail locations
Workplaces and office buildings open to the public
Community centers and recreation facilities
Colorado law also allows any individual to retrieve or use an AED during an emergency, even if they are not the owner of the device. This provision helps ensure that bystanders can act quickly when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest. In addition, public places and schools may accept donated AEDs as long as the device meets federal safety standards and follows manufacturer maintenance guidelines. Donations may also include funding for installation, maintenance, and training programs. Expanding AED availability in public places is a key strategy in Colorado to increase survival rates by enabling rapid defibrillation before emergency medical services arrive.
Do School Athletic Coaches Need CPR Certification in Colorado?
Yes. In Colorado, public school athletic coaches are required to maintain current CPR certification as part of state law. This requirement is established under Colorado Revised Statutes §22-1-125.5, which applies to coaches working for public school districts, charter schools, and other local education providers.
Here are the key requirements for coaches in Colorado:
CPR certification is mandatory for coaches of school athletic programs employed by public education providers.
Coaches must complete training through a nationally recognized, evidence-based CPR certification program.
The certification must be current within the previous two years to remain valid.
Coaches are also required to receive instruction on the effective use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
The Colorado State Board of Education establishes rules identifying which coaching positions must meet these requirements.
This law was implemented to ensure that school athletic staff are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies during practices, games, and school sporting events, where the risk of sudden cardiac arrest can occur. Maintaining CPR and AED training helps coaches provide immediate life-saving assistance until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive.
Are Colorado High School Students Taught CPR and AED Skills?
Yes, Colorado encourages high school students to learn CPR and AED skills as part of their health education, although it is not a strict graduation requirement. This guidance comes from Senate Bill SB23-023 and aligns with recommendations from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Key points about student CPR and AED education in Colorado:
Grades Covered: CPR and AED instruction is recommended for students in grades 9 through 12.
Curriculum Integration: Skills are typically incorporated into health education or physical education courses, following CDPHE-approved guidelines.
Skills Taught: Students learn how to recognize cardiac arrest, perform CPR, and operate an AED safely.
Training Programs: Instruction should use nationally recognized CPR and AED training programs, ensuring students are taught standardized, life-saving techniques.
Purpose: Early exposure to CPR and AED skills aims to increase survival rates during cardiac emergencies in schools and the broader community.
While schools are encouraged to provide this training, completion is recommended rather than mandated, giving districts flexibility in implementation while still promoting emergency preparedness among students.
Are AEDs Required in Colorado Dental Offices?
Yes. In Colorado, dental offices that administer sedation or anesthesia are required to have a functional Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site. This requirement is outlined in the Colorado Code of Regulations 3 CCR 709-1 and is part of broader emergency preparedness standards for dental practices.
Key points regarding AEDs in dental offices:
Who Must Have an AED: Any dental practice that provides minimal, moderate, or deep sedation must maintain a working AED.
Purpose: The AED ensures staff can respond quickly to cardiac emergencies, which can occur due to sedation or underlying health conditions.
Staff Training: Dental staff should be trained in CPR and AED use to provide immediate life-saving interventions.
Maintenance Requirements: AEDs must be maintained according to manufacturer guidelines, including regular battery and electrode pad checks, with maintenance records kept on file.
Integration with Emergency Plans: AED use should be incorporated into the office’s written emergency response plan, including coordination with local EMS.
Having an AED on-site in dental offices helps protect patient safety, ensures compliance with state regulations, and supports rapid response in life-threatening cardiac emergencies.
What Does the Colorado Good Samaritan Law Say About CPR and AED Use?
Colorado’s Good Samaritan law provides legal protection for individuals who assist during a medical emergency, including performing CPR or using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The primary statutes are §13-21-108 for general emergency care and §13-21-108.1 for AED-specific protections.
Key points of the law:
Protection for Bystanders: Individuals, whether trained or untrained, who provide CPR or use an AED in good faith are generally shielded from civil liability.
Good Faith Requirement: Legal protection applies only if the responder acts reasonably and without gross negligence or willful misconduct.
AED Use Coverage: People who deploy an AED during an emergency are also protected, including property owners, AED program coordinators, and training providers, as long as program requirements are followed.
Encourages Immediate Action: The law is designed to encourage rapid response to cardiac emergencies, reducing hesitation among bystanders.
Program Compliance: AED programs that follow maintenance, training, and EMS notification requirements ensure their staff and volunteers are covered under the immunity provisions.
In short, the Colorado Good Samaritan law aims to promote life-saving action while limiting legal risk, ensuring that both laypersons and trained responders can provide CPR and use AEDs without fear of liability.
AED Safety Guidelines in Colorado: Prepare for Emergencies
Colorado has put in place comprehensive laws and regulations to ensure that CPR and AED use across the state is safe, effective, and legally protected. From Good Samaritan protections for bystanders to structured AED program requirements for schools, businesses, and dental offices, these policies aim to save lives by encouraging prompt and competent responses to cardiac emergencies. Training, maintenance, and emergency planning are key elements that ensure both trained responders and laypersons can act confidently when every second counts.
Take your lifesaving skills to the next level with CPR VAM’s CPR course in Colorado, featuring nationally recognized BLS, ACLS, and AED training. Our hands-on courses are designed for both first-time certification and renewals, ensuring you gain the confidence and expertise to respond effectively in emergencies. Enroll today to stay compliant with state regulations, follow the latest best practices, and be fully prepared to save lives when it matters most.
FAQs
Businesses generally have legal protection under the Good Samaritan law if they maintain the AED according to state regulations, but gross negligence may result in liability.
No specific age restrictions exist; anyone can use an AED in an emergency, though training and supervision are recommended for minors.
Yes, organizations must notify local EMS or 911 dispatch centers about the AED’s presence and location.
Colorado encourages clear signage to indicate AED locations to ensure quick access during emergencies.
While not routinely inspected, maintaining up-to-date records is required for legal compliance and liability protection.
The Good Samaritan law still offers liability protection if the responder acted in good faith and followed proper procedures, even if the device fails.
References:
- Colorado Revised Statutes. (n.d.). Section 13‑21‑108.1, persons rendering emergency assistance through the use of automated external defibrillators—limited immunity. Retrieved March 9, 2026, from https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/81446/download
- Colorado Revised Statutes. (n.d.). Section 25‑53‑102, placement of automated external defibrillator—donations—acquisitions—limited immunity. Retrieved March 9, 2026, from https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/90988/download
- Colorado Revised Statutes. (n.d.). Section 22‑1‑125.5, requirement for certification of public school athletic coaches in cardiopulmonary resuscitation—use of automated external defibrillators. Retrieved March 9, 2026, from https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/62712/download
- Colorado General Assembly. (n.d.). Senate Bill SB23‑023: Concerning instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of automated external defibrillators in public schools. Retrieved March 9, 2026, from https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-023
- Colorado Code of Regulations. (n.d.). 3 CCR 709‑1, dental practice rules. Retrieved March 9, 2026, from https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=9036&fileName=3%20CCR%20709-1
Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended to educate readers on Colorado AED laws, training requirements, and Good Samaritan protections. CPR VAM does not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of any law summary, interpretation, or listing, and laws may not reflect the most recent updates. This content is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on interpreting AED laws or ensuring compliance, please consult a qualified legal professional or local authorities.