September 22, 2007–ALBANY–A new law will expand New York State’s Public Access to Defibrillation program by requiring all high-occupancy facilities to be equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED), according to the American Heart Association.
The legislation, which took effect September 12th, was passed by the state Legislature in 2006 and signed into law one year ago. This move further empowers New York residents to respond to cardiac emergencies. Under the legislation, all arenas, sports stadiums, civic centers, gymnasiums and concert halls with a capacity for occupancy by 1,000 or more persons will be required to be equipped with a minimum of one AED and have at least one employee trained in CPR and the use of an AED to be present when the facility is in use. This legislation also extends “Good Samaritan” protections to trained employees and volunteers who use an AED in an emergency situation at such facilities.
Source: Observer-Dispatch