Does your hotel need a defibrillator (AED)? First aid in accommodation: Spain (Andalusia), Portugal, Italy and Greece (2026)

Updated: 9 November 2026

An automated external defibrillator (AED) can save someone in cardiac arrest before the ambulance arrives. Many hoteliers ask whether it is mandatory. In the rules we read, a small hotel is not required to have one in any of the four countries, but if you install one there are mandatory steps. This is what we checked in official gazettes and government websites (links at the end). This is not medical or legal advice: where we could not confirm something we say so; check it with your adviser and your health and safety provider.

Spain: the national rule does not require it

Royal Decree 365/2009 sets the framework for using AEDs outside hospitals:

It does not require any establishment to install one. Art. 5 says health authorities will 'promote and recommend' installation where many people gather.
Anyone who installs one must notify their region (art. 4), display signage, link to emergency services and report each use.
Whoever installs it is responsible for maintenance as per the manufacturer (art. 7).
Each region regulates registration and training.

Andalusia: mandatory in large venues, not hotels

Decree 22/2012 of the regional government (art. 3) applies only to:

Large retail stores with more than 2,500 m² of sales floor.
Airports and commercial ports; bus or rail stations in towns of more than 50,000 inhabitants; metro stations with 5,000 or more daily users.
Sports facilities with 500 or more daily users.
Public venues with a capacity of 5,000 people or more.
Hotels and accommodation are not on the list. If your hotel has sports facilities open to the public or a very large venue, check the definitions in art. 2 with your adviser.
In October 2025 (BOJA no. 189) the region opened a public consultation on a new AED decree. Whether it has been adopted and what it changes: we have not confirmed this.

Andalusia: if you install one voluntarily

Voluntary installation is allowed (art. 6), with obligations:

Notify the regional health department beforehand using the Annex I form (art. 5). It goes into the Andalusian AED Register (art. 9).
CE-marked device, maintained as per the manufacturer: battery and pads in date (art. 4).
Clear sign with the international ILCOR symbol and instructions next to the device (art. 4.3).
Call emergency services before using it. Report each use within 72 hours (art. 8).
Anyone with basic knowledge may use it (art. 7.1). The Order of 4 June 2013 sets the courses: at least 80% practical.
The decree lists minor, serious and very serious offences; the amounts are not in its text.

Portugal: mandatory in certain public places

Decree-Law 188/2009 regulates automated external defibrillation. Decree-Law 184/2012 amended it and, according to Madeira's official gazette, made installation mandatory in certain publicly accessible places.
The exact list for the mainland: we have not confirmed it (the Diário da República and INEM sites did not open).
In Madeira, the regional list covers large shops, airports, ports, bus stations with more than 1,500 daily passengers and sports or leisure venues for more than 1,000 people. It does not mention hotels.
If you want to install one in Portugal, ask INEM about licensing and operator training.

Italy: mandatory in public offices and transport, incentives for hotels

Law 116/2021 (Gazzetta Ufficiale, 13-8-2021) says:

AEDs in public offices with at least 15 staff serving the public, airports, stations, ports and transport on trips of 2 hours or more without stops (art. 1).
Hotels: local and regional authorities may offer incentives to install them in hotels, shopping centres and residential buildings (art. 2(3)). It is an incentive, not an obligation.
If no trained person is present, anyone may use it, and the state-of-necessity rule in art. 54 of the criminal code applies (art. 3).
Sport: mandatory at competitions and training (art. 4, amending the Balduzzi decree). Every AED is registered with the 118 emergency centre.
If you already have one, report it to your local 118 centre (art. 6).
Regional or municipal rules for hotels: we have not confirmed these.

Greece: first-aid kit mandatory for short-term rentals

A law requiring hotels to have a defibrillator: we have not found or confirmed one.
Law 5170/2025 (art. 3) requires short-term rental homes, since 1-10-2025, to have a first-aid kit and a guide with emergency numbers, among other items. Fine: EUR 5,000.
Hotels: we have not confirmed this; ask your adviser.

How to tell guests

There is no common official attribute. What we confirmed:

Booking.com has the facility 'First aid kit available' (FIRST_AID_KIT_AVAILABLE, ID 459). Its list has no defibrillator facility.
In schema.org you can describe it with amenityFeature (LocationFeatureSpecification, name and value). There is no specific AED term.
Google: we have not found or confirmed an attribute.
On your website, one clear sentence is enough: 'Defibrillator (AED) at reception, trained staff' or 'First-aid kit at reception'. Only if it is true.

10-minute check

Check you have a complete first-aid kit and that staff know where it is.
Keep 112 and the hotel's exact address ready to read out.
If you have an AED: check battery and pad dates, sign and instructions, and that it is registered.
Note who on the team is trained and when.
Ask your health and safety provider whether and where to install one.

How iQuota helps

iQuota does not sell defibrillators or give medical advice. We publish your property in AI assistants with direct booking and payment at the property, using the information you confirm, such as a first-aid kit or AED if you have one.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a defibrillator mandatory in a hotel in Andalusia?

Not under Decree 22/2012: art. 3 covers large stores, stations, sports facilities with 500 daily users and venues for 5,000 people, not hotels. A new 2025 draft decree exists; we have not seen it adopted.

If I install an AED, do I have to register it?

In Andalusia, yes: prior notice to the health department (art. 5) and entry in the Andalusian AED Register (art. 9). In Italy, notify the 118 centre.

Can anyone use it?

In Andalusia, anyone with basic knowledge (art. 7.1 of Decree 22/2012). In Italy, anyone if no trained person is present (art. 3 of Law 116/2021). Always call 112 first.

Sources

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