South Carolina

South Carolina prioritizes AED use and preparedness in schools by requiring districts to develop comprehensive plans to respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), including procuring a minimum of one device per school.

Good Samaritan protections extend to the rescuer and purchaser involved in AED use. Check out the full outline below to learn more.

Summary of Requirements

Physician

A health care professional must serve as an official Automated External Defibrillator (AED) liaison in the obtaining of an AED.

CPR/AED Training

An owner of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must receive training and certification in CPR and the use of an AED by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or National Safety Council.

EMS Notification

Any owner of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must notify local EMS of the existence, location, and type of AED they have.

Maintenance Program

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must be maintained and tested regularly based on manufacturer’s operational guidelines and keep a written record of each time it was tested. An AED program must be in place and approved by the AED liaison which includes CPR and AED training, guidelines, deployment strategies, and an AED maintenance plan.

Notification of Use

As soon as a person uses an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), it is required that they request emergency assistance from the appropriate first aid, ambulance, or rescue squad as soon as possible.

Good Samaritan Protection

Rescuer

Purchaser

Property owner

Physician

Trainer

SC Code § 44-76-40

Provides Good Samaritan protection for use of an AED and establishes guidelines for AED programs.

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Laws / Legislation

SC Code § 44-76-30

Outlines instructions to ensure the public health and safety for a person that acquires an AED.

SC Code § 44-76-20

Defines: Automated External Defibrillator, Health Care Professional, and Designated AED User.

SC Code § 59-17-155

Requires that school districts implement an automated external defibrillator program for each high school.

SC Code § 59-32-30

Outlines a comprehensive plan for training, certification, and credentialing of statewide school districts.

SC H3831 Smart Heart Act

An act to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by enacting the "Smart Heart Act" by adding Section 59-17-165 so as to provide definitions and to provide for the development and implementation of a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan in each public school; and by amending Section 59-17-155, relating to the Automated External Defibrillator program in high schools, so as to provide each public school shall ensure the presence of an Automated External Defibrillator onsite and within certain proximity of school athletic venues, and to provide related testing, maintenance, and personnel training requirements.