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AED - Automated External Defibrillators Interactive

13 minutesENSafety TrainingOSHA 29 CFR 1910.151 (First Aid) - OSHA Publication 3185 (AED best practice)
Quick Answer

AED - Automated External Defibrillators is a 13-minute online course that trains employees on the proper use of automated external defibrillators during sudden cardiac arrest emergencies. It is designed for designated first aid responders, safety team members, and any employees responsible for emergency response in the workplace, and includes a downloadable certificate of completion.

Course Overview

Approximately 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur in U.S. workplaces each year, and nearly 90% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims do not survive. Every minute that passes without defibrillation reduces a victim's chance of survival by 7-10%. While OSHA does not specifically mandate AEDs under federal standards, the agency strongly recommends their availability as part of a comprehensive first aid program under 29 CFR 1910.151. Many states and municipalities have enacted their own AED requirements for certain workplace settings, and having trained employees on site can mean the difference between life and death in the critical minutes before EMS arrives.

This course prepares your employees to recognize sudden cardiac arrest, operate an automated external defibrillator safely, and coordinate an effective emergency response. Your team will learn how AEDs analyze heart rhythms, when and how to deliver a shock, and how to integrate AED use with CPR. The training also covers AED maintenance, placement best practices, and the legal protections that Good Samaritan laws provide to trained responders in the workplace.

What You'll Learn

  • Recognizing the signs of sudden cardiac arrest versus heart attack
  • How automated external defibrillators analyze heart rhythms and deliver electrical shocks
  • Step-by-step AED operation, including pad placement and safety precautions
  • Coordinating AED use with CPR and emergency medical services activation
  • AED maintenance, inspection schedules, and placement guidelines
  • Good Samaritan laws and legal protections for trained workplace responders
  • Special considerations for AED use on children, individuals with pacemakers, and wet environments

Who Needs This Training

  • Designated workplace first aid and CPR responders
  • Safety committee members and emergency action plan coordinators
  • Front desk and reception staff in facilities where AEDs are installed
  • Supervisors and managers responsible for employee safety in remote or large-footprint facilities
  • HR directors implementing workplace wellness and emergency preparedness programs
  • Employees at facilities where state or local law requires AED availability

Regulatory Background

OSHA does not have a specific federal standard mandating automated external defibrillators in the workplace. However, OSHA's Medical Services and First Aid standard (29 CFR 1910.151) requires employers to ensure adequate first aid provisions, and the agency has published guidance (OSHA Publication 3185) strongly encouraging AED programs in workplaces. Multiple states have enacted their own AED requirements - Oregon, for example, mandates AEDs in buildings over 50,000 square feet or where 25 or more people congregate, while several states require AEDs in gyms, health clubs, and dental offices that administer anesthesia. The American Heart Association reports that communities with trained AED responders have twice the cardiac arrest survival rate compared to those with CPR-only training. Employers who implement AED programs and train employees not only reduce the risk of workplace fatalities but may also benefit from liability protections under state Good Samaritan laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

OSHA does not have a specific federal standard requiring AEDs. However, OSHA's Medical Services and First Aid standard (29 CFR 1910.151) requires adequate first aid provisions, and OSHA Publication 3185 strongly recommends AED programs in workplaces. Many states and municipalities have their own AED requirements for certain facility types, so employers should check applicable state and local regulations.
For every minute that defibrillation is delayed, survival rates drop by 7-10%. The American Heart Association recommends that AEDs be accessible within 3-5 minutes of a cardiac event. Since average EMS response times range from 8-12 minutes, having an AED on site and employees trained to use it can significantly improve survival outcomes.
AEDs are designed with safety features that analyze the victim's heart rhythm before delivering a shock. The device will only deliver a shock if it detects a shockable rhythm such as ventricular fibrillation. If no shockable rhythm is detected, the AED will not allow a shock to be delivered. Training ensures faster, more confident response but the device itself has built-in safeguards.
Most states have Good Samaritan laws that provide liability protection for individuals who use AEDs in good faith during emergencies. Many states also extend protections to employers who maintain AED programs, provided the devices are properly maintained and users have received appropriate training. Employers should review their state's specific Good Samaritan statutes for details on the scope of protection.
The American Heart Association and American Red Cross recommend AED and CPR refresher training every two years at minimum. OSHA's best practices guidance suggests annual refresher training for designated workplace responders to maintain skill proficiency. Employers should also conduct periodic AED drills and verify that equipment is maintained according to manufacturer guidelines.
$24.95
per person
Volume Pricing
Team Size Price per Person
1 - 9$24.95
10 - 24$19.95
25 - 49$17.95
50 - 99$17.50
Subtotal $24.95

Certificate of completion included. Downloadable upon passing the final assessment.

$24.95
per person