New Hampshire

I. The use of automated external defibrillators addresses an important public health problem in New Hampshire. It is the intent of the legislature to encourage the use and availability of automated external defibrillators, along with training in the use of automated external defibrillators, for the purpose of saving the lives of people in cardiac arrest.

II. Further, the legislature strongly encourages dissemination of educational information regarding automated external defibrillators and encourages that access to these lifesaving devices be made widely available to businesses, schools, fire and police departments, and other public and private organizations throughout the state.

For purposes of this subdivision, “automated external defibrillator” means a medical device which combines a heart monitor and defibrillator and:

I. Has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration;

II. Is capable of recognizing the presence or absence of ventricular fibrillation;

III. Is capable of determining whether defibrillation should be performed; and

IV. Automatically charges and requests delivery of an electrical impulse to an individual’s heart, upon determination that defibrillation should be performed.

Every person, association, corporation or other organization that acquires an automated external defibrillator shall require anticipated responders expected to use the automated external defibrillator to receive training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use. This section shall not limit the use of the automated external defibrillator to the anticipated responder nor shall this section limit the provisions of RSA 153-A:31.

Any person who, in good faith and without compensation, renders emergency care by the use of an automated external defibrillator shall not be liable for civil damages for any acts or omissions unless the acts or omissions were grossly negligent or willful and wanton. Any person, association, corporation or other organization that acquires and maintains an automated external defibrillator for emergency care shall not be liable for civil damages other than for gross negligence or willful and wanton acts or omissions. This section shall not limit civil liability protection provided by any other law.

There shall be established in the department of safety a registry for all automated external defibrillators in the state. The department is authorized to release information from the registry to first responders in an emergency through the enhanced 911 system. Registration shall include the address and precise location of the automated external defibrillator.

I. The owner of an automated external defibrillator shall register with the department of safety under RSA 153-A:32 within 30 days of acquisition.

II. Manufacturers or distributors shall provide written notice to purchasers of the requirement to register automated external defibrillators with the department.

III. The provisions of paragraphs I and II shall not apply to owners who purchase an automated external defibrillator for use in a private residence.