Ohio has ~11.8 million residents and a moderately codified AED legal framework. Ohio Revised Code §2305.235 provides Good Samaritan protection; K-12 athletic facilities are addressed under ORC §3313.717; many municipal-level requirements add to the statewide framework.
Good Samaritan protection — ORC §2305.235
Ohio Revised Code §2305.235 protects lay rescuers, AED owners (when 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.
K-12 athletic events — ORC §3313.717
Ohio Revised Code §3313.717 requires public K-12 schools to have AEDs at varsity athletic events and to ensure CPR + AED-trained personnel are present. Schools must also integrate AED response into their emergency action plans. The mandate does not extend to non-athletic settings, but most districts have voluntarily expanded coverage.
Registration
Statewide AED registration is voluntary in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Health maintains a voluntary registry to support EMS dispatch routing. Many municipalities (Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland) have local registration requirements.
Fitness facilities
Ohio does not have a statewide health club AED mandate. Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland have municipal ordinances requiring AEDs in fitness facilities above certain membership thresholds. Verify local requirements with your municipal health department before procurement.
Ohio compliance checklist
| Requirement | Applies to | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AED at K-12 varsity athletics | Public K-12 schools | Required |
| Emergency action plan | K-12 schools | Required |
| CPR + AED trained personnel | K-12 athletic events | Required |
| Statewide registration | All AED owners | Voluntary |
| Municipal registration | Many cities | Local requirement |
| Annual maintenance | All AED owners | Required for protection |
Frequently asked questions
Do Ohio schools need AEDs?
Schools with varsity athletic programs are required to have AEDs at events per ORC §3313.717.
Does Ohio have Good Samaritan AED protection?
Yes. ORC §2305.235 protects rescuers, owners, trainers, and overseeing physicians acting in good faith.
Do Ohio gyms need AEDs?
No statewide mandate. Major cities (Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland) have municipal ordinances. Check local rules.
Do I need to register my AED in Ohio?
Voluntary statewide. Many municipalities require local registration.
What’s the maintenance standard in Ohio?
Manufacturer specifications, plus monthly visual inspection. Failed maintenance may void owner protection.
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Sources
- Ohio Revised Code §2305.235 — Good Samaritan AED
- Ohio Revised Code §3313.717 — K-12 athletic AED
- Ohio Department of Health
Educational content. Not legal advice. Verify with the Ohio Department of Health or qualified counsel.
