Why schools need AEDs
Sudden cardiac arrest can strike a student athlete, a teacher, a parent in the bleachers or a visitor at a school concert. Survival depends on how fast someone starts CPR and uses an AED, usually before EMS arrives. A school with AEDs in the right places, and staff who know how to use them, gives that person a real chance.
Pennsylvania's new law: Act 17 of 2026 (Greg Moyer's Law)
Greg Moyer's Law was signed May 13, 2026. It covers public school districts, charter and cyber charter schools, intermediate units, career and technical schools, and nonpublic (private and parochial) schools. Key points:
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CPR/AED instruction offered to employees and approved volunteers at least once every two years
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Certification for school nurses (or designees), coaches, athletic trainers, PE teachers and marching band directors
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At least one CPR/AED-trained person in every school building each school day
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For schools with interscholastic athletics: AEDs readily accessible at games and practices, a written cardiac emergency response plan, and an annual cardiac arrest response drill
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AEDs maintained to manufacturer guidelines, with annual AED inventory reporting to the Pennsylvania Department of Education starting by June 30, 2027
Most core requirements phase in over three years. Check the official text of Act 17 or ask your solicitor for the exact deadlines that apply to your school.
How many AEDs does a school need?
A common goal is getting an AED to anyone who collapses within about three minutes, which means a brisk walk of roughly 90 seconds each way. For most schools that means at least:
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One AED near the main office or nurse's office
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One in or near the gym
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A portable unit that travels with teams to fields, stadiums and away games
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More units for large buildings, multiple floors or separate wings
We walk your buildings with you and map placement so every area is covered.
Which Philips AED fits a school?
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Philips HeartStart OnSite: clear voice coaching for staff who rarely use an AED, with infant/child pads available for younger students.
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Philips HeartStart FRx: a rugged unit built for athletic fields and buses, with an infant/child key so the same pads work on children.
Both are available with wall cabinets, signage and carry cases. See current options on our AEDs for sale page.
Training, plans and paperwork in one place
CMR CPR is led by a retired paramedic who trains people to use AEDs. We can:
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Certify coaches, nurses, PE teachers and staff in CPR/AED on site
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Help draft your cardiac emergency response plan and run your annual drill
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Track pad and battery expiration dates so your PDE inventory report is ready every year (see how often you need to replace an AED)
School AED FAQs
Does the law apply to private and parochial schools? Yes. Act 17 covers nonpublic schools as well as public, charter and career and technical schools.
Can we use grant money? Public schools may use certain school safety and security grants for AED training, and the law sets up a statewide AED purchasing program through PDE. We'll provide the documentation you need for your grant.
Do refurbished AEDs count? Refurbished Philips units can stretch a budget. Whatever you buy, it has to be maintained to manufacturer guidelines with current pads and batteries.
What should staff do if a student collapses? Call 911, start CPR and get the AED. Our guide on how to use an AED walks through each step.
Get your school ready
CMR CPR serves schools across Bucks County and southeastern Pennsylvania. Request a quote for AEDs, training and program management, or browse the full AED Center.
