Public Access Defibrillation (PAD)
Policy Resources
Cardiac arrest substantially contributes to avoidable death and disability across the United States. Using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) within minutes of cardiac arrest can dramatically improve survival rates.
Public access defibrillation (PAD) programs and policies work to ensure that AEDs are immediately available for use by lay bystanders when and where they are needed.
Policy Evidence Assessment Reports (PEARs)
While all states have enacted some type of law pertaining to PAD, more information is needed to understand which types of PAD interventions could be addressed in an evidence-informed state PAD law. This report assesses best available evidence that aligns with state laws that address PAD.

PAD Policy: A National Snapshot
Maps of PAD Interventions Addressed in State Law, In Effect June 2017.
Shareable Resources
These resources can help your audiences learn more about PAD and cardiac arrest. Share them with peers, advocates, educators, patients, and legislators.
- CDC infographic: Cardiac Arrest: An Important Public Health Issue [PDF – 1.1 MB]
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation resources: Call-Push-Shock
- City of San Diego video: “No, No, Go! CPR and AED PSA”