Sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, more than 350,000 people will suffer a cardiac arrest this year. Currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is to use an AED. An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It's a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

When you find someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, you should begin CPR as soon as possible, activate your local EMS system and use an AED.   For each minute defibrillation is delayed, the odds of survival are reduced by approximately 10%. Though AED and CPR training is recommended to help you increase your comfort and level of confidence, AEDs are intended for use by the general public — with or without training. You can do it!

Knowing where an AED is and being able to access is can make a difference in someone’s life.  In accordance with DC Code (linked below), and so that we can direct callers to an AED, the Chief of the DC Fire and EMS Department shall be notified of the location and type of any AED located in the District of Columbia. To notify the Chief “register” your AED at aedregistry.dc.gov.

For further assistance, please contact at (202) 673-3320.

DC code is found at https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/titles/7/chapters/23D/.