Why senior living communities need AEDs
Older adults face the highest risk of sudden cardiac arrest. In assisted living, personal care homes, independent living and nursing facilities, a resident, visitor or staff member can collapse in a dining room, hallway or apartment at any hour. Fast CPR and an AED give that person the best chance of surviving until EMS arrives.
Pennsylvania assisted living AED requirements
Pennsylvania assisted living residence regulations (55 Pa. Code § 2800.96) require a residence to have an automated external defibrillator in each building on the premises. Personal care homes, nursing facilities and independent living communities have their own rules. Check with your licensing representative for what applies to your community, and we'll help you meet it.
Where to put AEDs in a senior community
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At least one AED in every building on campus
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Near dining rooms, activity rooms and fitness areas where residents gather
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At the nurses' station or front desk, where trained staff are always present
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On each floor or wing of larger buildings
Which Philips AED fits senior living?
Most communities choose the Philips HeartStart OnSite for its simple voice coaching and daily self-checks. Communities with clinical teams may prefer the Philips HeartStart FR3. See current options on our AEDs for sale page.
Training for every shift
Staff turnover and round-the-clock shifts mean training has to keep up. CMR CPR is led by a retired paramedic who trains people to use AEDs. We certify caregivers, nurses, aides and activity staff on site, including evening and overnight shifts. We also help you keep pads and batteries current (see how often you need to replace an AED) and track every unit across your campus.
Senior living AED FAQs
How do AEDs fit with DNR orders? Your community's emergency policy should explain how staff confirm a resident's code status before starting CPR. We can cover your policy during training so staff know what to do.
How many AEDs do we need? Under the assisted living rule, at least one per building. Larger buildings often need one per floor or wing so staff can reach a collapsed person within about three minutes.
What should staff do if someone collapses? Call 911, start CPR (unless a valid DNR applies) and get the AED. Our guide on how to use an AED walks through each step.
Protect your residents
CMR CPR serves assisted living, personal care and senior living communities across Bucks County and southeastern Pennsylvania. Request a quote for AEDs, training and program management, or browse the full AED Center.
