CPRvam Students
25,000+ students successfully trained annually

Oregon AED Laws and Guidelines for AED Placement and Compliance

Oregon has established several laws and administrative rules that regulate the placement, use, and maintenance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These regulations are designed to increase public access to life-saving equipment and ensure AEDs are properly maintained and ready to use during cardiac emergencies. Key laws governing AED programs in the state include Oregon Revised Statutes 431A.450, Oregon Revised Statutes 431A.455, Oregon Revised Statutes 339.345, and Oregon Revised Statutes 30.802.

These laws apply to a range of facilities across Oregon, including schools, health clubs, colleges and universities, camps, swimming pools, and large public assembly buildings. They also address AED accessibility, device maintenance, emergency response planning, training awareness, and liability protection under the state’s Good Samaritan provisions.

In this blog, you will learn about Oregon’s AED program requirements, the locations where AEDs must be installed, and the legal protections for AED use.

In Oregon, students must receive instruction in both cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use as part of the middle and high school curriculum. This requirement is established under Oregon Revised Statutes 336.472, which aims to ensure that young people graduate with basic life‑saving skills.

Key training requirements include the following:

  • Mandatory grades: Students in grades 7 through 12 must receive instruction in CPR and AED use.
  • Integrated into health/PE: Training is typically delivered through health or physical education courses at school.
  • Hands‑on CPR practice: Students must be given hands‑on practice in CPR, including chest compressions and rescue techniques.
  • AED awareness and operation: Instruction includes basic AED awareness and how to follow device prompts during an emergency.
  • Use of recognized curriculum: Schools rely on programs developed by nationally recognized organizations (e.g., American Heart Association, American Red Cross) or guidelines that meet current cardiac care standards.
  • Focus on instruction not certification: The requirement emphasizes instructional competency rather than formal CPR/AED certification.
  • Waivers and exceptions: Schools may waive hands‑on CPR components for students with disabilities or those enrolled in fully virtual programs.

This law increases community readiness by equipping students with essential skills to respond to sudden cardiac arrest before professional help arrives.

In Oregon, AED placement in schools is governed by Oregon Revised Statutes 339.345, which requires schools to maintain Automated External Defibrillators on campus to respond to cardiac emergencies. The law applies to public schools, private schools, and public charter schools.

Key AED requirements for school campuses in Oregon include:

  • AED required on campus: Each school campus must have at least one automated external defibrillator on the premises.
  • Applies to all school types: The requirement covers school districts, private school campuses, and public charter school campuses.
  • Campus-based requirement: The law requires one AED per school campus, not necessarily one in every building on that campus.
  • Accessible location: The AED should be placed in a clearly accessible area so staff can retrieve it quickly during a medical emergency.
  • Staff training availability: Schools typically ensure that staff members are trained in CPR, first aid, and AED use so they can respond effectively before emergency medical services arrive.

These requirements help ensure that Oregon schools are equipped with life-saving equipment and prepared to respond quickly to sudden cardiac arrest involving students, staff, or visitors.

In Oregon, AED requirements for colleges and universities are outlined under Oregon Revised Statutes 431A.455. The law requires higher education institutions to maintain Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on campus to help respond quickly to cardiac emergencies.

Key AED requirements for colleges and universities include the following:

  • AED required on campus: A community college or public university must maintain at least one Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on its campus.
  • Availability in large public buildings: If a campus includes places of public assembly, the institution must ensure that an AED is readily available for each such location.
  • Accessible placement: AEDs should be placed in clearly visible and easily accessible locations so staff, students, or emergency responders can retrieve them quickly during a cardiac emergency.

These requirements help ensure that Oregon colleges and universities maintain accessible life-saving equipment across campus, particularly in buildings where large numbers of people gather.

Under Oregon Revised Statutes 431A.450, a health club is defined as an indoor facility whose primary purpose is to offer exercise or athletic activities for a fee, and that typically has 50 or more employees, patrons, or members participating in those activities on a regular business day. Oregon law requires certain health clubs that meet this definition to maintain an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on their premises to respond to cardiac emergencies.

Key AED requirements for health clubs in Oregon include the following:

  • AED required on the premises: The owner of a qualifying health club must keep at least one automated external defibrillator on the premises at all times.
  • Accessible placement: The AED should be placed in a clearly marked and easily accessible location so it can be quickly retrieved during a medical emergency.
  • Maintenance and readiness: The device should be regularly inspected and maintained, including checking battery status and replacing electrode pads according to the manufacturer’s operational guidelines.
  • Facility exemption: This requirement does not apply to exercise facilities owned by a hotel, as defined under Oregon Revised Statutes 699.005.

These requirements ensure that qualifying health clubs in Oregon maintain life-saving equipment on site, helping staff and members respond quickly if sudden cardiac arrest occurs during exercise or athletic activities.

Under Oregon Administrative Rules § 818‑026‑0060, dental offices that perform procedures under moderate or deeper sedation must have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on site. The AED must be immediately accessible during the procedure and patient recovery, ensuring rapid response to any cardiac emergency.

The AED is part of the required emergency equipment alongside tools like a sphygmomanometer, pulse oximeter, and airway devices. These rules ensure that dental facilities using sedation are prepared to handle cardiac emergencies, safeguarding patient safety and maintaining compliance with state regulations.

In Oregon, swimming pools that are open to the public and meet certain criteria are required by administrative rule to have Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on site. These requirements are established in the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 333‑060‑0210 – Pool Safety under the Division of Public Swimming Pools, which governs safety standards for aquatic facilities. 

Key AED requirements for swimming pools in Oregon include the following:

  • AED requirement for qualifying pools: All general‑use public swimming pools and pools at health clubs serving 100 patrons or more per day must provide an AED on site that is accessible for use during pool operation hours. 
  • Device maintenance: The AED must be maintained, inspected, and serviced regularly, including checks of the battery and electrode pads according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, to ensure it will function when needed. 
  • Trained staff presence: There must be a sufficient number of pool employees, including lifeguards, trained in AED use so that at least one trained person is on‑site whenever the pool is open. 
  • Accessible placement: The AED must be stored in a location from which it is easily accessible and can be quickly retrieved during an emergency. 
  • Signage: Facilities must provide clear signage indicating the location of the AED so that staff and bystanders can find it without delay in a crisis. 
  • AED use policy: Pools must develop a written policy for AED use, including instructions to contact emergency services (911) as soon as a cardiac incident is identified. This policy must be made available to pool staff and posted near the AED. 

These rules ensure that public swimming pools and high‑use aquatic facilities in Oregon have ready access to life‑saving AEDs, trained personnel, and clear procedures for responding to cardiac emergencies, improving survival chances for swimmers and visitors.

In Oregon, specific AED requirements for camps are established through the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 333‑030‑0105) under the state’s health and safety regulations for organized camps. These rules apply to residential camps and ensure that camps with a significant number of participants are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies.

Key AED requirements for camps in Oregon include the following:

  • AED required for camps: Residential camps with 100+ people must have an AED accessible with policies and maintenance.
  • Device maintenance: Each AED must have documented maintenance inspections and service records, including checks of the battery and electrode pads in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Accessible placement: The AED must be stored in a central location where camp users can quickly access it during an emergency.
  • Visible signage: Clear signage indicating the location of the AED must be provided so staff and campers can find it rapidly when needed.
  • Written AED use policy: Camps must develop a policy for AED use, including procedures for contacting emergency services (911) as soon as possible after a cardiac event. This policy should be communicated to staff and posted near the AED.
  • Emergency planning: The camp’s written emergency plan must identify the location of the AED and outline procedures for responding to medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest.

These rules help ensure that organized camps in Oregon are prepared to respond effectively to sudden cardiac arrest, improving safety for campers, staff, and visitors.

Oregon law provides legal protection for individuals and organizations that use or provide access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during an emergency. Under Oregon Revised Statutes 30.802, people who use or attempt to use an AED in good faith to assist someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest are generally protected from civil liability.

Key points about AED liability protection in Oregon include:

  • Good faith emergency response: Individuals who use an AED in good faith during a medical emergency are typically immune from civil liability.
  • Protection for multiple parties: Liability protection may apply to bystanders, trained responders, property owners who provide the AED, AED program administrators, and medical professionals involved in training or oversight.
  • Encourages public access to AED programs: The law supports wider AED availability in workplaces, schools, and public facilities by reducing legal risks for organizations that install and maintain AEDs.
  • Limitations to immunity: Legal protection does not apply in cases of gross negligence, reckless conduct, or intentional misconduct.

These protections are intended to encourage quick action during cardiac emergencies and support the use of AEDs by trained individuals or bystanders before emergency medical services arrive.

Oregon has established comprehensive guidelines to support the proper placement, accessibility, and maintenance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across various public and private settings. These requirements help ensure that AEDs are available in locations where large numbers of people gather, including schools, colleges, health clubs, camps, swimming pools, and public assembly facilities. By promoting proper device maintenance, trained staff awareness, and clear emergency response planning, the state’s regulations help improve preparedness and increase the chances of survival during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.

If you need CPR and AED training in Oregon, consider enrolling in professional certification courses with CPR VAM. Training programs such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) help healthcare providers, workplace responders, and community members build the skills needed to act during cardiac emergencies. Completing a recognized CPR and AED course can strengthen emergency preparedness and help you respond confidently when every second matters.

Yes. AED owners should regularly inspect and maintain the device according to the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. This typically includes checking battery status, electrode pad expiration dates, and performing routine readiness checks to ensure the device functions properly during an emergency.

In Oregon, AEDs are designed for use by both trained individuals and bystanders. Anyone who encounters a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest may use the device, as AEDs provide automated voice prompts that guide the user through the rescue process.

Although AEDs can be used by untrained bystanders, CPR and AED training from recognized organizations is strongly recommended. Training helps responders recognize cardiac arrest quickly, perform effective chest compressions, and operate the AED properly.

Yes. Many AEDs include pediatric electrode pads or settings designed for children. These allow the device to deliver an appropriate shock level for pediatric patients when necessary.

An AED program should include device placement information, staff training procedures, maintenance schedules, emergency contact protocols, and clear steps for activating emergency medical services when sudden cardiac arrest occurs.

References:

Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended to educate readers about Oregon AED laws, placement requirements, training standards, and legal protections. CPR VAM does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of this information. This content is a summary of general facts and is not legal advice. For guidance on AED compliance in your facility, please consult a qualified legal professional.

CPR VAM official logo for CPR and first aid certification training provider
Facebook-f Instagram Tiktok
CPR Training Near Your City
Classes
Company
ACLS Algorithm
PALS Algorithm
BLS Algorithm
Practice Excercise

States We Serve :

  • 2026
CPR VAM • All Rights Reserved.

AI Transparency