Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(1) As used in this section, “defibrillator” means a semiautomatic external defibrillator as prescribed by a physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW or an osteopath licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW.
(2) A person or entity who acquires a defibrillator shall ensure that:
(a) Expected defibrillator users receive reasonable instruction in defibrillator use and cardiopulmonary resuscitation by a course approved by the department of health;
(b) The defibrillator is maintained and tested by the acquirer according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines;
(c) Upon acquiring a defibrillator, medical direction is enlisted by the acquirer from a licensed physician in the use of the defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
(d) The person or entity who acquires a defibrillator shall notify the local emergency medical services organization about the existence and the location of the defibrillator; and
(e) The defibrillator user shall call 911 or its local equivalent as soon as possible after the emergency use of the defibrillator and shall assure that appropriate follow-up data is made available as requested by emergency medical service or other health care providers.
(3) A person who uses a defibrillator at the scene of an emergency and all other persons and entities providing services under this section are immune from civil liability for any personal injury that results from any act or omission in the use of the defibrillator in an emergency setting.
(4) The immunity from civil liability does not apply if the acts or omissions amount to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
(5) The requirements of subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to any individual using a defibrillator in an emergency setting if that individual is acting as a good samaritan under RCW 4.24.300.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Washington Revised Code Title 70. Public Health and Safety § 70.54.310. Semiautomatic external defibrillator--Duty of acquirer--Immunity from civil liability - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/wa/title-70-public-health-and-safety/wa-rev-code-70-54-310/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)