The Maryland Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Program permits a business, organization, association, etc., which meets certain requirements, to make automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available for individuals suffering sudden cardiac arrest on the premises prior to the arrival of emergency medical services personnel. Examples include offices, government buildings, churches, schools, health clubs, pools, and golf courses, to name a few. These “entities” may establish an AED program at a single site or may include multiple sites under one program.
MIEMSS is the state agency that oversees the Maryland Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Program and as such, approves entities meeting the necessary requirements to participate in the Maryland Public Access AED Program. Because the AED is an advanced medical device that ideally should be used only in an emergency by individuals trained to use the device, specific requirements have been developed for entities that wish to set up an AED program, including registration with MIEMSS, training of expected AED operators by an approved AED training program, and the ability to access 9-1-1 immediately. A certificate issued by MIEMSS to a registered entity is effective for three years if compliance with the program requirements is maintained.
Entities exempt from registering in the Maryland Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Program include healthcare facilities, physician’s offices, dentist’s offices, federal government agencies, jurisdictional EMS operational programs, and commercial ambulance services. MIEMSS has developed a program packet (available at this website) in accordance with COMAR 30.06 that includes the requirements for participation in the Maryland Public Access Automated External Defibrillator Program. For more information please contact Lisa Myers at 410-706-4740 or lmyers@miemss.org.
To view the Public Access AED Program regulations, please go directly to the COMAR website at http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/title_search/searchTitle30.htm