Is your restaurant Rescue-Ready?

Maryland’s Joe Sheya Act, also known as the Grocery Stores and Restaurants – Automated External Defibrillator Program, requires restaurants with annual gross incomes of more than $1 million to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) by January 1, 2025:

• The AED must be in a prominent, accessible area that customers and employees can easily reach
• The AED must be FDA-cleared for the market, recognize ventricular fibrillation or rapid ventricular tachycardia, and determine if defibrillation is needed without operator intervention
• The AED must automatically charge if defibrillation is needed
• The AED must be regularly maintained and promptly replaced if it fails an inspection

Attention Restaurant Owners & Managers: Ensure your restaurant is compliant and ready to save lives. As a leading provider of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and life-saving training, Rescue One offers specialized products and lease programs tailored for restaurant owners. The Maryland Joe Sheya Act requires AEDs in restaurants with annual gross incomes of over $1 million by January 1, 2025, so now is the time to act.

Our AEDs are FDA-cleared, easy to use, and automatically charged when defibrillation is needed. We also provide regular maintenance to ensure your device is always ready. Don’t wait—contact Rescue One today to equip your restaurant with the necessary tools to save lives.

What is the Joe Sheya Act?

The Joe Sheya Act is a Maryland law requiring certain restaurants and grocery stores to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site by January 1, 2025. This law was named after Joe Sheya, who tragically passed away from a heart attack while dining at a restaurant that did not have an AED. The goal of the law is to improve public safety by making AEDs more readily available during cardiac emergencies.

Does this law apply to my business?

The law applies to restaurants with an annual gross income greater than $1 million (excluding off-premises sales) or a seating capacity of 100 or more people.

What are the requirements of the law?

Affected businesses must:

• Install at least one AED in a prominent, easily accessible location by January 1, 2025.
• Maintain the AED properly to ensure it’s ready for use in an emergency.
• Based on Rescue One’s years of experience we recommend and offer CPR/AED training.
• Register the AED with the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS).

Where can I purchase an AED?

AEDs can be purchased here on the Rescue One Training for Life website or you can call our office to place an order (301) 740-3390.

Are there tax benefits for purchasing an AED?

Businesses may be eligible for tax deductions for AED purchases as ordinary business expenses. Additionally, certain Maryland restaurants can claim a nonrefundable tax credit of up to $500 for AED purchases. It is recommended to consult with a tax advisor for specific details.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Failure to comply with the Joe Sheya Act may result in disciplinary action from the Maryland Department of Health. Additionally, businesses could face civil liability if a customer experiences cardiac arrest and an AED is not available.

Where can I get AED and CPR training for my employees?

Rescue One offers AED and CPR training, as well as AED maintenance and lease programs.