AED Requirements in West Virginia
West Virginia requires an AED and a posted emergency action plan on site during all school athletic events and practices under the Secondary School Activities Commission (W. Va. Code § 18-2-25c). Every public elementary and secondary school must have a cardiac emergency response plan that covers AED placement and routine maintenance and staff trained in CPR and AED use (W. Va. Code § 18-5-22e).
West Virginia AED Law Overview
West Virginia requires an AED and a posted emergency action plan on site during all school athletic events and practices under the Secondary School Activities Commission (W. Va. Code § 18-2-25c). Every public elementary and secondary school must have a cardiac emergency response plan that covers AED placement and routine maintenance and staff trained in CPR and AED use (W. Va. Code § 18-5-22e).
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 West Virginia 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
- Secondary school sports under the Secondary School Activities Commission: an AED and a posted emergency action plan on the school or event grounds during all athletic events and practices, with trained school sports personnel (W. Va. Code § 18-2-25c)
- Public elementary and secondary schools: a cardiac emergency response plan for athletics and the school day, with staff trained in first aid, CPR and AED use and AED placement and routine maintenance within the school (W. Va. Code § 18-5-22e)
- School coaches: the approved sudden cardiac arrest training course every year (W. Va. Code § 18-5-22e)
- Any entity with an early defibrillation program: register it with the Office of Emergency Medical Services, train expected users, maintain and test the AED with written records, name a medical director and notify local EMS and 911 (W. Va. Code § 16-4D-3)
Sources
- W. Va. Code § 18-2-25c
- W. Va. Code § 18-5-22e
- Senate Bill 652 of 2025, enrolled
- W. Va. Code § 16-4D-3
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 West Virginia?
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.
West Virginia AED Compliance Checklist
Recommended AEDs for West Virginia Compliance
Defibtech Lifeline
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View Details →West Virginia AED FAQs
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Protect Your West Virginia Business Today
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