Illinois has ~12.5 million residents and a robust AED legal framework codified in the Physical Fitness Facility Medical Emergency Preparedness Act, the Illinois School Code, and the Automated External Defibrillator Act (210 ILCS 74).
Physical Fitness Facility Medical Emergency Preparedness Act
PFFMEPA (210 ILCS 74) requires physical fitness facilities — gyms, health clubs, dance studios, and similar — to maintain AEDs on premises, train staff in CPR + AED, and have a written emergency response plan. The Act applies to facilities of any size that primarily provide fitness services, making Illinois’s gym mandate one of the most comprehensive in the country.
K-12 schools — 105 ILCS 5/22-30
Illinois School Code §22-30 requires public K-12 schools to have AEDs on premises if they have interscholastic athletic programs. Schools must also have staff trained in CPR + AED and integrate AED response into their emergency action plans.
Good Samaritan protection — 210 ILCS 74/30
Illinois Good Samaritan AED protection covers lay rescuers, AED owners (when the device was properly maintained), trainers providing CPR + AED instruction, and physicians providing medical oversight. Protection applies to civil liability when actions were in good faith without gross negligence.
Registration with IDPH
Illinois requires AED owners to register devices with the Illinois Department of Public Health. Registration includes location, model, and contact information. IDPH maintains a statewide registry that supports EMS dispatch routing.
Illinois compliance checklist
| Requirement | Applies to | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AED in fitness facilities | All gyms, studios per PFFMEPA | Required |
| AED in K-12 athletics | Schools with interscholastic athletics | Required |
| Emergency response plan | Fitness facilities + K-12 | Required |
| CPR + AED trained staff | Fitness facilities + K-12 | Required |
| IDPH registration | All AED owners | Required |
| Annual maintenance | All AED owners | Required |
Frequently asked questions
Do all Illinois gyms need AEDs?
Yes. PFFMEPA applies to physical fitness facilities of any size — gyms, health clubs, dance studios, similar.
Do Illinois schools need AEDs?
Schools with interscholastic athletic programs must have AEDs per 105 ILCS 5/22-30.
Does Illinois have Good Samaritan AED protection?
Yes. 210 ILCS 74/30 protects rescuers, owners, trainers, and overseeing physicians.
Do I need to register my AED in Illinois?
Yes. Register with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
What’s the maintenance standard in Illinois?
Manufacturer specifications, plus monthly visual inspection. Failed maintenance may void the Good Samaritan owner protection.
Pediatric-first AED procurement
The free quiz routes daycare-profile buyers to the right pediatric-capable model.
Sources
- 210 ILCS 74 — Physical Fitness Facility Medical Emergency Preparedness Act
- 210 ILCS 74/30 — Good Samaritan AED protection
- 105 ILCS 5/22-30 — Illinois School Code K-12 AED
- Illinois Department of Public Health
Educational content. Not legal advice. Verify with IDPH or qualified counsel.
