Medical Readiness for Churches Isn't Just Good Practice. It's Good Policy.
How AEDs, bleeding control equipment, and documented training programs can help reduce your church's liability exposure
The Liability Reality
Churches, like any organization hosting the public, carry a duty of care when medical emergencies occur on their property. When something happens, your preparedness—or lack of it—becomes a factor.
- Good Samaritan protections have conditions. Many jurisdictions require AEDs to be properly maintained and staff to be trained.
- Federal immunity isn't automatic. It requires notifying local EMS, maintaining and testing devices, and having trained staff available.
- Starting a program creates responsibility. Once a church undertakes a medical response program, failures in training, maintenance, or response can undermine immunity.
- Equipment alone isn't enough. Having equipment without a documented program can actually create more exposure than having no equipment at all.
The question is no longer whether your church can afford medical readiness—it's whether you can afford not to have it.
Important Legal Disclaimer
This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Laws governing duty of care, AED requirements, and Good Samaritan protections vary by jurisdiction. Churches should consult their insurance provider and legal counsel for guidance specific to their organization and state.
How Medical Readiness Reduces Risk
Proactive preparedness is always a stronger position than explaining why it wasn't made.
AEDs on Site
On-site AEDs with trained staff may provide legal protections and demonstrate proactive care.
Bleeding Control Equipment
Staging bleeding control kits alongside AEDs demonstrates a comprehensive, all-hazards approach to emergency preparedness.
Training Documentation
Documented CPR, AED, and first-aid training creates a record of preparedness that supports your church's position. Insurers recognize training as a core element of reasonable care.
Written Emergency Plans
A written EAP shows intentional preparedness—not reactive scrambling. Defines roles, response steps, and documentation procedures for insurance compliance and liability mitigation.
What Insurance Companies Are Looking For
Many church insurers now include emergency preparedness in their risk assessments. Documented answers to these common questions can strengthen your insurer relationship and may positively influence your risk profile.
Common Areas of Inquiry
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Do you have AED(s) on-site? Are they maintained and inspected regularly?
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Do staff or volunteers have basic first-aid training? Is training current and documented?
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Is there a written emergency action plan? Does it cover medical emergencies, fire, severe weather, and other scenarios?
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Is emergency equipment inspected? Are devices and supplies within expiration dates?
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Are Good Samaritan protections applicable in your state? Has your church met the conditions for immunity?
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Do you conduct regular drills? Are response procedures practiced and documented?
Important
Requirements vary by insurer and jurisdiction. Confirm specific requirements with your insurance provider and consult legal counsel for guidance applicable to your state.
How MED-TAC Helps
Physician-owned and veteran-led, MED-TAC helps organizations implement medical readiness programs that satisfy both operational needs and risk-management requirements.
Equipment Consultation
Select and place the right AEDs, bleeding control kits, and trauma equipment—scaled to your facility, needs, and budget.
Right-Sized Programs
From a single AED to a campus-wide deployment across multiple buildings—programs sized to fit your church.
Training Coordination
Coordinate TCCC-based and Stop the Bleed training so your staff and volunteers can use equipment correctly and confidently.
Resupply & Maintenance
Track expiration dates and provide resupply kits to keep equipment current—essential for maintaining legal protections.
Documentation Support
Equipment lists, maintenance schedules, and deployment recommendations you can share with your insurer and board.
We want to help churches get it right.
Ready to Strengthen Your Position?
Whether you need your first AED or a comprehensive campus-wide program, MED-TAC can help.
- Assess your facility and operations
- Recommend the right equipment
- Provide documentation for your insurer and board
- Coordinate staff and volunteer training
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