AED Training for Businesses in Morocco: Obligation, Content and Duration

Is AED training legally mandatory in Morocco?

Unlike France where certain establishments have specific legal obligations for first aid training, Morocco does not yet impose specific AED training by legislation. However, the Moroccan Labor Code (Dahir n°1-03-194 of September 11, 2003) obliges employers to ensure the health and safety of employees, including through the organization of emergency response. This provision is interpreted by labor inspectors and insurers as an obligation of result: if an employee dies from cardiac arrest while an AED was present but no employee knew how to use it, the employer's civil and criminal liability may be engaged. In practice, companies with more than 50 employees, hospitals, clinics, and ERP establishments (public-access buildings) are strongly advised to train at least 10% of their staff in AED use and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques.

Content of an AED training for businesses: the 5 essential modules

A quality AED training session for businesses covers 5 key modules, for a recommended total duration of 2 to 3 hours:

• Module 1 — Recognizing a cardiac arrest: clinical signs, unconsciousness, absence of normal breathing.
• Module 2 — Alerting emergency services: emergency numbers in Morocco (15 SAMU, 15-15 Civil Protection, 19 Police), structured message.
• Module 3 — Quality CPR: hand position, rate of 100–120 compressions/min, depth of 5–6 cm, rescue breathing.
• Module 4 — AED use: powering on, positioning adult/pediatric electrodes, following voice prompts, delivering the shock.
• Module 5 — Practical scenarios: real-life simulation with the establishment AED, alternating CPR/AED in pairs.

Who to train first? The 10% rule

The goal is not to train the entire staff, but to achieve a sufficient density of trained people so that a first responder is always available on site. In practice, training 10% of the workforce and ensuring these people cover different shifts and positions is sufficient. Prioritize the following profiles: HSE/safety managers, reception staff, switchboard operators, health and safety committee members, and anyone already trained in first aid (occupational first aider). For clinics, training must cover all medical and paramedical staff and be refreshed every 2 years.

Pediatric training: AEDs in school settings

In schools, nurseries, and sports clubs hosting minors, training must include a specific module on using the pediatric mode of the AED. Defibrillators with an integrated adult/child switch (such as the IPAD SP1) simplify this procedure and reduce the risk of error under stress. It is recommended to train at least the establishment director, the school nurse, and two designated teachers in the complete adult/child procedure.

MediUnit — On-site demonstration included

With any defibrillator purchase from MediUnit, an on-site demonstration is included at no extra charge. Our technician travels to your company or clinic, installs the wall cabinet, positions the regulatory signage, and conducts a practical 30 to 45-minute presentation for your reference team. They also provide a laminated procedure card to be displayed next to the AED and explain the weekly control register. For more comprehensive training (2 to 3 hours with practical CPR exercises), MediUnit works with accredited partner organizations in Morocco.

• Practical on-site demonstration included with any AED purchase from MediUnit.
• Laminated procedure card provided to your reference team.
• Full training courses (2–3h, CPR + AED) available through our accredited partners in Morocco.