Oregon Legislation Requires AEDs in Larger Businesses

Beginning January 1, new AED legislation in Oregon will require businesses to provide automated external defibrillators. Oregon Senate Bill 556 mandates the purchase of the defibrillators by “any place of public assembly with a facility of 50,000 square feet or more and with at least 25 individuals present on a normal business day."

Many towns already have AEDs installed in public places. In Ontario, Oregon, automated external defibrillators are installed at the City Hall, post office, and in banks around town. The Ontario Fire and Rescue train people on the AED devices during CPR classes. Above, Ontario Fire & Rescue Firefighter and EMT Frank Grimaldo Sr. demonstrates the use of an automated external defibrillator.

Many states are introducing legislation for automated external defibrillators in schools, dental offices, nursing homes, and other public locations, as well as businesses.