The story behind the law

In the years since, Ontario’s AED policy has continued to evolve. The 2020 Defibrillator Registration and Public Access Act extended and refined the framework, requiring AEDs in designated public facilities to be registered with the Ontario AED Registry (administered by the Heart and Stroke Foundation), properly maintained, and clearly identified by signage.

The combined effect: AEDs have gone from “rare in public spaces” to “expected in every Ontario school and arena” over the last two decades. Survival rates from public sudden cardiac arrest in Ontario have improved meaningfully as a result.

The Chase McEachern Act: Good Samaritan protection

The Chase McEachern Act (officially the Heart Defibrillator Civil Liability Act, 2007) does one essential thing: it protects you from civil liability if you use an AED in good faith to help someone experiencing a cardiac emergency.

What that means in practice:

• You can use a public AED without fear of being sued if the outcome doesn’t go well
• The protection applies whether you’re trained or not — though training obviously helps you use the AED correctly
• The protection applies whether the casualty is an adult or a child
• The protection applies whether the AED is publicly accessible or privately owned
• The protection covers ordinary people, not just designated first aiders — neighbours, bystanders, family members

The Act removes the legal disincentive to act. Modern AEDs are designed to be usable by bystanders — they give voice prompts, they won’t deliver a shock unless the rhythm calls for one, and they tell the user what to do next. The Chase McEachern Act makes sure the legal risk isn’t a reason to hesitate.

The Defibrillator Registration and Public Access Act, 2020

The 2020 Act covers the “supply side” of public access defibrillation — making sure AEDs are actually there when someone needs them, that they’re working, and that people can find them.

Key provisions:

• Designated premises must have AEDs installed — schools, public arenas, large recreation facilities, and other categories specified in the regulations
• AEDs must be registered with the Ontario AED Registry — administered by the Heart and Stroke Foundation, this lets 911 dispatchers direct callers to the nearest AED
• AEDs must be maintained — regular pad and battery checks, defined maintenance protocols
• Signage is required — clear identification of AED locations so the public can find them
• Records of inspections and maintenance must be kept

AEDs in Ontario schools

Most Ontario school boards — public and Catholic, English and French — have deployed AEDs in every elementary and secondary school as standard board-level policy. The deployment was driven by the combined effect of the Chase McEachern Act, advocacy from organizations like the Heart and Stroke Foundation, board-level health and safety policies, and provincial requirements that have evolved since 2007.

What schools typically have in place:

• An AED in a central location — usually the main office, the gym, or a clearly-signed wall cabinet in a main corridor
• Pediatric pads available for elementary schools
• Designated staff trained in CPR and AED use
• An emergency response plan that includes who retrieves the AED during a cardiac event
• Annual maintenance checks (or a maintenance service contract)
• Registration with the Ontario AED Registry

For school athletic events and tournaments, the operating school or facility is responsible for AED availability. Visiting teams don’t bring AEDs; they rely on the host facility’s AED.

Public arenas and recreation facilities

Indoor arenas, community centres, large sport venues, indoor pools, and similar publicly-owned facilities are covered by the 2020 Act. Most have one or more AEDs prominently displayed, typically near the main entrance, in the lobby, or at strategically distributed points throughout larger facilities.

Private facilities (private clubs, gyms, dance studios, dojos) aren’t covered by the same mandatory deployment requirements, but many install AEDs voluntarily. The combination of the Chase McEachern Act’s liability protection and the cost reductions in AED units over the last 20 years has made voluntary deployment increasingly common.

Sport organizations: what to do if you operate a club

• If you rent space in a publicly-owned arena or rec centre: there’s almost certainly an AED on site already. Confirm with the facility manager where it’s located and how to access it during your activities.
• If you operate out of a private facility: ask whether the facility has an AED. If not, consider whether installing one is appropriate — see our AED buyer’s guide for cost and selection guidance.
• If you organize community sport events: confirm AED availability with the host venue. For tournaments and major events, some leagues require designated AED-trained staff on site.
• Train your coaches and volunteers in CPR + AED use — every Standard CPR Level C course includes AED training as part of the curriculum.

Using an AED on a child

One of the most common questions parents and coaches have: “What if my child needs an AED?” The short answer: AEDs are designed to be safe for children, and the Chase McEachern Act protects bystanders who use them in good faith regardless of the casualty’s age.

Specifics on pediatric AED use:

• Pediatric pads deliver a lower-energy shock and are designed for children under 8 or under approximately 25 kg
• If pediatric pads aren’t available, adult pads can be used on a child in an emergency — the AED’s voice prompts will guide you
• For infants under 1 year, manual CPR is generally prioritized; AED use is still considered if the unit is available and pediatric pads are present
• Most schools and recreation facilities serving children stock pediatric pads alongside adult pads

Registering an AED with the Ontario AED Registry

If your school, facility, or organization installs an AED, registration is straightforward:

1. Contact the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Ontario AED Registry
2. Provide the facility’s address, AED model, location within the facility, hours of accessibility, and contact for maintenance
3. Keep maintenance records as required under the 2020 Act
4. Update the Registry if the AED moves, the facility changes hours, or the unit is replaced

Registration matters because it allows 911 dispatchers to direct callers to the nearest registered AED during a cardiac emergency.

Why training matters even with the Good Samaritan protection

The Chase McEachern Act protects untrained bystanders who use AEDs in good faith — but training dramatically improves the effectiveness of the response. Standard CPR Level C, Standard First Aid, and BLS courses all include AED training. For schools, sport organizations, and community facilities, having trained staff means the AED is more likely to be deployed quickly and correctly during an actual cardiac emergency.