What is the legal requirement for an AED?

Effective July 1, 2007, all health clubs and health studios in California were required to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) program in place as required in the California Health and Safety Code, Section 104113.

Which health clubs and health studios are affected?

For the purposes of this law, health clubs and health studios are any facility permitting the use of its facilities and equipment or access to its facilities and equipment to individuals or groups for physical exercise, body building, reducing, figure development, fitness training or any other similar purpose on a membership basis. Health clubs and health studios do not include any hotel or similar business that offers fitness facilities to its registered guests for a fee or as part of hotel charges. Facilities that do not charge for services (such as a membership fee) are EXEMPT.

What else is required of heath clubs and studios?

• Must have a written emergency response plan that was developed with physician approval.
• Must train staff in CPR and proper use of the AED. (Minimum 4 hour class)
• Must conduct periodic training on emergency procedures, CPR and the AED.
• Must have at least one person on duty at all times trained in the use of the AED.
• Must have a program for regular maintenance and testing of the AED
• Must notify the local Emergency Medical Services Agency (LEMSA) of the placement of the AED. This procedure is easy and can found here: http://www.sbcphd.org/ems/pad.html 

What is Santa Barbara County doing about this new law?  

In July and August, Santa Barbara County EMS Agency sent letters to all known Health Clubs and Studios in the County. The EMS Agency explained the new law and informed the facilities of their requirements to comply and how to easily do so. Some facilities were exempt (due to non-membership program) and in some cases businesses had closed. Additionally, the EMS Agency contacted any facility not responding to the letters to confirm compliance. The chart below reflects the compliance of all facilities in Santa Barbara County.