AED Requirements for Schools: 2026 State Laws, Placement & Compliance

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) does not only happen to older adults. Each year, more than 23,000 children in the United States experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and roughly 40% of those events are tied to sports and physical activity. When a student collapses on the field, in the gym, or in a hallway, the chance of survival falls 7–10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation — and most EMS crews cannot reach a victim inside the critical three-to-five-minute window. An on-site, ready-to-use automated external defibrillator (AED) is what closes that gap.

This guide explains how AED requirements for schools work in 2026, what a compliant school AED program looks like, and how to build one that protects students, staff, athletes, and visitors alike.

Are AEDs required in schools?

It depends on your state — and the trend is moving quickly toward broader mandates. There is no single federal law requiring an AED in every school, but a growing number of states now require them, especially where interscholastic athletics are involved. Recent examples include:

• Georgia — As of the 2025 school year, all public K-12 schools must have at least one AED and a written cardiac emergency response plan, expanding earlier rules that applied only to high schools with athletic programs.
• Pennsylvania — Greg Moyer’s Law (Act 17 of 2026) requires AEDs at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices, along with rehearsed emergency action plans.
• New York — Cardiac emergency response plan requirements apply to school sites and school-sponsored events, including athletics.
• California — Public and charter schools with interscholastic athletic programs must maintain an AED and a cardiac emergency response plan.
• New Jersey — Janet’s Law requires AEDs in K-12 schools, with devices available at athletic events and practices.

Because these requirements differ by state and change frequently, confirm your obligations with your state Department of Education or Department of Public Health. For a national overview, see our AED laws by state resource.

What a compliant school AED program includes

Whether or not your state mandates a device, a defensible, life-saving school AED program generally covers six elements:

• The right device(s) — enough units to reach any location within the campus quickly.
• Strategic placement — AEDs positioned so a responder can retrieve one and return within one to three minutes.
• A cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) — a written, rehearsed plan based on American Heart Association or equivalent guidelines.
• Trained responders — staff and coaches certified in CPR and AED use, with many states now requiring it for athletic coaches.
• Ongoing maintenance — monthly readiness checks and current pads and batteries.
• EMS registration — many states require AEDs to be registered with the local EMS agency.

How many AEDs does a school need, and where?

There is no universal number, but the guiding principle is retrieval time. Aim to place units so any cardiac emergency on campus can be reached with a defibrillator in under three minutes. Common high-priority locations include:

• Gymnasiums, weight rooms, and indoor athletic facilities
• Outdoor athletic fields, tracks, and bleachers (a portable unit in a weatherproof cabinet)
• The main office and nurse’s station
• Cafeterias, auditoriums, and large assembly areas
• Pools and aquatic centers

Larger or multi-building campuses typically need several devices, plus clear AED signage so anyone can locate the nearest unit under pressure.

Choosing the right AED for a school

Schools serve children and adults, so look for a device that supports both adult and pediatric rescue, offers clear voice and visual prompts for lay responders, and stands up to daily campus environments. Durability, simple maintenance, and pediatric capability matter most. Browse devices configured for education in our AEDs for Schools & Universities collection, and protect outdoor and high-traffic units with the right cases and cabinets.

Keeping the program ready

An AED only saves a life if it works on the day it is needed. Electrode pads and batteries expire and must be replaced on schedule — learn the intervals for every major brand in our guide on how often to replace AED pads and batteries. A simple monthly check (green status indicator, in-date pads and batteries, no physical damage) keeps your campus protected year-round.

Frequently asked questions

Are public schools required to have an AED?

In many states, yes — particularly schools with interscholastic athletics. Requirements vary by state and are expanding, so verify with your state education or health agency.

Do school coaches need CPR and AED certification?

Increasingly, yes. Several states now require high school athletic coaches to maintain current CPR and AED certification.

Do schools need pediatric AED pads?

Schools should be prepared to treat both children and adults. Many AEDs offer a pediatric mode or pediatric pads for younger or smaller students.

This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. AED laws vary by state and change over time; confirm current requirements with your state and local authorities.