Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes

42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8331.2 (2026)

Good Samaritan civil immunity for use of automated external defibrillator.

✓ current as of May 2026

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§ 8331.2. Good Samaritan civil immunity for use of automated external defibrillator.

(a) General rule.--Any person who in good faith acquires and maintains an AED or uses an AED in an emergency shall not be liable for any civil damages as a result of any acts or omissions by an individual using the AED, except if acts or omissions intentionally designed to harm or any grossly negligent acts or omissions result in harm to the individual receiving the AED treatment.

(b) Requirements.--Any person who acquires and maintains an AED for use in accordance with this section shall:

(1) Ensure that expected AED users receive training pursuant to subsection (c).

(2) Maintain and test the AED according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines.

(3) Provide instruction requiring the user of the AED to utilize available means to immediately contact and activate the emergency medical services system.

(4) Assure that any appropriate data or information is made available to emergency medical services personnel or other health care providers as requested.

(c) Training.--For purposes of this section, expected AED users shall complete training in the use of an AED consistent with American Red Cross, American Heart Association or other national standards as identified and approved by the Department of Health in consultation with the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council.

(d) Obstruction of emergency medical services personnel.--Nothing in this section shall relieve a person who uses an AED from civil damages when that person obstructs or interferes with care and treatment being provided by emergency medical services personnel or a health professional.

(e) Exception.--(Deleted by amendment).

(f) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

"Automated external defibrillator" or "AED." A portable device that uses electric shock to restore a stable heart rhythm to an individual in cardiac arrest.

"Emergency." A situation where an individual is believed to be in cardiac arrest or is in need of immediate medical attention to prevent death or serious injury.

"Good faith." Includes a reasonable opinion that the immediacy of the situation is such that the use of an AED should not be postponed until emergency medical services personnel arrive or the person is hospitalized.

(Dec. 15, 1998, P.L.949, No.126, eff. 60 days; July 5, 2012, P.L.1081, No.125, eff. 60 days)

Cross References. Section 8331.2 is referred to in section 5483 of Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries).

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 3 cases, 2002–2017 · leading case: Atcovitz v. Gulph Mills Tennis Club, Inc., 812 A.2d 1218 (Pa. 2002).

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Atcovitz v. Gulph Mills Tennis Club, Inc., 812 A.2d 1218 (Pa. 2002). · cites it 6× “The court also addressed the effect of 42 Pa.C.S. § 8331.2, hereinafter the "AED Good Samaritan Act," which provides "Good Samaritan civil immunity" for use of an AED in certain instances.”

Gabriel v. Giant Eagle, Inc., 124 F. Supp. 3d 550 (2015). “35, §§ 6921-6938 (“EMS Act”) and 42 Pa. Cons.Stat. § 8331.2 ("AED Good Samaritan Act”).”

J. Hites, etc. v. PIAA, Inc. (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2017). “The Court also determined 42 Pa. C.S. §8331.2 (“Good Samaritan civil immunity for use of [AED]”), which created an exception for imposing liability on untrained individuals who used AEDs in limited emergency situations, did not authorize the use of AEDs by untrained individuals,…”

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8331.2(a) — 1 case

Atcovitz v. Gulph Mills Tennis Club, Inc., 812 A.2d 1218 (Pa. 2002). “The court also addressed the effect of 42 Pa.C.S. § 8331.2, hereinafter the "AED Good Samaritan Act," which provides "Good Samaritan civil immunity" for use of an AED in certain instances.”

— 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 8331.2(f) — 1 case

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