An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a portable device used during cardiac arrest to deliver an electric shock to the heart that can temporarily restart the heart and restore breathing. AEDs are essential for treating cardiac arrest victims in the critical first few minutes while waiting for EMS to arrive.

They are designed to be used by bystanders with little or no medical training, giving audio and/or visual instructions that guide the user through each step. AEDs are safe to use and cannot hurt the victim. It will only provide a shock if it detects one is needed.

According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 cardiac arrest victims who receive a shock from an AED in the first minute live. But for every minute that passes without defibrillation, survival rates drop 7-10% percent.

The proliferation of AEDS at public facilities is especially impactful in rural areas, where EMS response times are often in the double-digits.

The new law applies to Virginia localities, meaning local governments.

It covers any athletic event organized or sponsored by a locality, and any part of a facility owned or operated by a locality that is being used for organized sports. In practical terms, this includes county and city parks departments, public recreation centers, publicly owned athletic fields, and schools operated by local government. Private facilities are not covered by this specific law.

The requirement applies to both indoor and outdoor facilities, with specific minimum numbers of AEDs based on the size of the facility.

It also applies to sporting events held elsewhere, with the number of AEDs determined by the number of attendees. This includes ball courts, sports fields, running trails, golf courses, and any other sporting venues.

Indoor Facilities — Minimum AED Requirements per Square Foot

1. Under 10,000 sq ft - 1 AED
2. Between 10,000 and 30,000 sq ft - 2 AEDs
3. Over 30,000 sq ft - 2 AEDs + 1 AED per every additional 20,000 sq ft
   

Outdoor Facilities — Minimum AED Requirements per Acre

1. Under 5 acres - 1 AED
2. Between 5 and 15 acres - 2 AEDs
3. Over 15 acres - 2 AEDs + 1 AED per every additional 10 acres

Sporting Events at Non-Government Locations — Minimum AED Requirements per Attendee

1. Under 500 attendees - 1 AED
2. Between 500 and 2,000 attendees - 2 AEDs
3. Over 2,000 attendees - 2 AEDs + 1 AED per every additional 1,000 attendees

The law requires that every AED be located in a clearly marked, publicly accessible location. "Publicly accessible" means any bystander must be able to reach and use the device immediately in an emergency without needing to find a staff member, ask for a key, or wait for a facility representative to retrieve it. Storing an AED behind a front desk, in a locked office, or in a staff-only area does not meet this requirement.

Each locality must also develop a placement plan for every covered facility, ensuring AEDs are positioned to be reachable quickly from any area where athletic activity is taking place. Additionally, localities should account for regular inspection and maintenance of their AEDs in order to ensure they are operable in the event of an emergency.

AEDs are typically housed in wall-mounted enclosures designed for rapid access in an emergency. These cabinets keep the device visible, protected, and ready for immediate use.

For outdoor facilities, placement requires additional consideration. Exposure to weather, temperature extremes, moisture, dust, and pollen can damage an AED over time and compromise its reliability when it matters most. In some outdoor areas, theft and tampering can also be concerns.

Solutions exist to address all of these challenges — from weatherproof enclosures with heat/cooling systems to resist the elements, to 911-integrated "secure access" cabinets that are only unlocked with a code issued by emergency dispatchers — which ensure that your devices remain protected, compliant, and ready at a moment's notice.

The law has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2028. This timeline was built in deliberately to give localities time to develop plans and secure funding for the devices.

The state of Virginia estimates each AED device will cost between $1,400 and $2,500. Total costs range based on size of facility.