An AED is an electronic device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm and tells the user to deliver a defibrillation shock when it is required. An AED is portable and easy to use.  Anyone who has successfully completed a nationally-recognized CPR/AED course can use an AED. The AED program will train the public to recognize early warning signs of cardiac arrest, perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and promote the placement of AEDs in places where people work, exercise, and congregate.

DC Fire/EMS partners in this effort are the American Heart Association, the DC Chamber of Commerce, the National Capital Chapter of the American Red Cross and Medtronic Physio-Control. Together we are promoting healthy eating and proper exercise, public education programs encouraging people to learn CPR and how to operate an AED, and increasing the availability of AEDs in the District.

All AEDs in the District must be registered with DC Fire/EMS. For more details on registration and the program, select a topic below.

• Register an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) with DC Fire/EMS 
• Frequently Asked Questions
• AED/PAD Program Brochure*   
• The DC Public Access to Automatic External Defibrillator Act of 2000*