AED Requirements in South Carolina
Subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, each South Carolina school district must run an AED program for each high school that includes an operational AED on school grounds (S.C. Code § 59-17-155). Under the Smart Heart Act (2026 Act No. 108), beginning with the 2027-2028 school year each public school district and charter school must have a cardiac emergency response plan and, subject to funding, keep AEDs accessible from on-campus athletic venues and at off-site athletic events.
South Carolina AED Law Overview
Subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, each South Carolina school district must run an AED program for each high school that includes an operational AED on school grounds (S.C. Code § 59-17-155). Under the Smart Heart Act (2026 Act No. 108), beginning with the 2027-2028 school year each public school district and charter school must have a cardiac emergency response plan and, subject to funding, keep AEDs accessible from on-campus athletic venues and at off-site athletic events.
Every year, over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, the chance of survival drops by 7-10%. Having an AED on-site and trained staff ready to use it can mean the difference between life and death.
Whether South Carolina mandates AED placement for your organization or not, the investment in an AED program protects your employees, customers, and community — and can significantly reduce liability exposure.
Specific Requirements
- School districts, subject to appropriations by the General Assembly: an AED program for each high school with an operational AED on school grounds and trained users (S.C. Code § 59-17-155)
- Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, each public school district and charter school: a cardiac emergency response plan covering a response team, AED placement and maintenance, staff CPR and AED training, drills and EMS coordination (S.C. Code § 59-17-165, 2026 Act No. 108)
- Beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, public schools including charter schools, subject to funding by the General Assembly or the Department of Education: an AED accessible from each on-campus athletic venue in an unlocked location with signs, an AED at each off-site athletic event, and coaches trained in CPR, first aid and AED use (S.C. Code § 59-17-155, 2026 Act No. 108)
- Anyone who acquires an AED: CPR and AED training for designated users, maintenance and testing with written records, a health care professional as AED liaison and 911 activation in its protocol (S.C. Code § 44-76-30)
Sources
- S.C. Code Title 44, Chapter 76 (§ 44-76-30)
- S.C. Code Title 59, Chapter 17 (§ 59-17-155)
- H. 3831, Smart Heart Act (2026 Act No. 108)
These summaries were last checked against the official sources above in October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Other state or local rules may also apply; check the current law or ask an attorney about your organization.
Who Needs an AED in South Carolina?
Offices & Workplaces
Corporate offices, coworking spaces, and business parks
The American Heart Association reports that 10,000 cardiac arrests occur in the workplace each year. Having an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%.
Schools & Universities
K-12 schools, colleges, and educational institutions
Student athletes and staff are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Many states now mandate AEDs in schools.
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Health clubs, yoga studios, CrossFit boxes, and recreation centers
Intense physical activity can trigger cardiac events. Most states require AEDs in fitness facilities.
Churches & Places of Worship
Churches, synagogues, mosques, and community halls
Large gatherings of all ages, often with elderly congregants, make AEDs essential for community safety.
Restaurants & Hotels
Restaurants, hotels, resorts, and hospitality venues
High foot traffic and diverse demographics make AEDs critical for guest safety and liability protection.
Construction & Industrial Sites
Construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing plants
Physical labor, heat stress, and remote locations make rapid cardiac response critical.
Sports Facilities
Stadiums, arenas, sports complexes, and athletic fields
Athletes of all ages face cardiac risks during high-intensity activity.
Medical & Dental Offices
Doctor offices, dental practices, outpatient clinics
Even in medical settings, an AED provides immediate response before advanced care arrives.
South Carolina AED Compliance Checklist
Recommended AEDs for South Carolina Compliance
Defibtech Lifeline
Budget-friendly reliability. Clear audio/visual prompts and rugged design for any environment.
View Details →South Carolina AED FAQs
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Protect Your South Carolina Business Today
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