LIFESAVING RESOURCES INC.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine and conducted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, and the American Heart Association (AHA) found that deploying automated public access defibrillators (AEDs) in public places and training citizens to use them can double the chances of surviving sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) for the general population. Each year about 450,000 Americans die as a result of SCA, making it the nation's leading cause of death.
Currently 95% of SCA victims die before reaching the hospital due to the length of time it takes for emergency personnel to arrive on the scene. In fact, a person's chance of survival is reduced by 10% for every minute spent waiting for a life-saving defibrillation shock.
The nationwide public access defibrillation or "PAD" study showed nearly double the survival rates for victims who were administered CPR and shocked by an AED as compared to those who only received CPR. During the two-year study, 124 cardiac arrests occurred in public facilities where an AED was available and 31% of those persons survived, versus 17% of the 86 arrests that occurred in venues where only conventional responses - CPR and a call to 911 - were available.
About 20,000 volunteers took part in the study of which half were taught to use AEDs and perform CPR and the balance to perform CPR only. Approximately 1,500 automated defibrillators were placed in over 990 public facilities such as office buildings, factories, airports, shopping and community centers, and sports and entertainment venues in 24 cities nationwide.
The AHA also told a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel in July it supports the removal of the prescription requirement for AEDs.
The FDA's Circulatory System Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee met to decide whether or not to lift the prescription requirement currently required for anyone wishing to obtain an AED.
Meanwhile, the State of New York has just passed a law requiring Health Clubs with memberships in excess of 500 members to have trained personnel and an AED available on the premises at all times.
Source, Gerald M. Dworkin, Aquatics Safety & Water Rescue,
LIFESAVING RESOURCES INC. Lifesaving.com
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LIFESAVING RESOURCES' E-BLAST
October 05, 2005
Lifesaving Resources has been advocating for years the need to develop, implement and administer Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) programs at Aquatic Facilities throughout the U.S. Several states have now enacted laws requiring AEDs in Health Clubs and Fitness Centers. These laws establish the standard of care within those states. Therefore, it is critical that aquatic facilities nationally, especially in those states where laws have been enacted, to develop, implement and administer PAD programs within their facilities.
Gerald M. Dworkin, Consultant
Aquatics Safety & Water Rescue
LIFESAVING RESOURCES INC.
http://www.lifesaving.com
P.O. Box 905
Harrisville, NH 03450
603/827-4139
ILLINOIS REQUIRES AEDS IN PHYSICAL FITNESS FACILITIES
Illinois becomes first state in the nation to require such widespread placement of these life-saving devices
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation to require health clubs, school gymnasiums, and indoor park district facilities to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the premises and have staff trained in its use.
"AEDs are easy to use and have proven to make a critical difference in reviving a person suffering a cardiac crisis," Blagojevich said. "Prompt use of an AED may restore the heart to a normal rhythm and can more than double a person's chance of survival. It makes sense that we make this life-saving technology available in more public places, particularly in facilities where there is strenuous cardiovascular exertion."
Under provisions of House Bill 4232, physical fitness facilities must have at least one AED, have a trained AED user, develop and implement a written plan to deal with medical emergencies, and file the plan with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). IDPH is charged with inspecting fitness facilities whenever a complaint is filed for noncompliance with the law. HB 4232 was sponsored by
state Rep. Daniel Burke (D-Chicago) and Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago). The legislation was created in honor of Colleen O'Sullivan, a former House Democrat staffer who passed away in 2002 at a health club facility due to heart complications.
"When seconds count, access to a defibrillator can be the difference between life and death. This is about taking matters into your own hands and possibly saving the life of a loved one," Lt. Gov. Quinn said. "Governor Blagojevich's signing of this bill makes Illinois a much safer place and honors Colleen O'Sullivan, the young state employee whose tragic death inspired this landmark legislation."
AEDs are about the size of a laptop computer and are used to analyze the heart's rhythm for any abnormalities and, if necessary, direct the rescuer to deliver an electric shock to the victim. Once the machine is switched on, the operator is instructed to apply two electrodes to the victim's chest. If a life threatening rhythm is detected, the machine will charge itself and instruct the rescuer to stand clear and press the shock button.
"Sudden cardiac arrest cases are usually due to abnormal heart rhythms that can be restored to normal rhythm if treated promptly through an electric shock from an AED," said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director. "Victims collapse and quickly lose consciousness, often without warning and, unless a normal rhythm is restored, death will follow within minutes. By making AEDs more accessible in public places we will be able to save lives."
"I am delighted to have introduced this life saving technology before the state legislature," said Rep. Burke. "This remarkable technology is available in the AED has the potential of saving many, many lives in Illinois."
Physical fitness facilities must have the written plan for responding to medical emergencies filed with IDPH before July 1, 2005.
For companies that own or operate four or fewer facilities, an AED must be in place in one facility on or before July 1, 2006, a second facility by July 1, 2007, a third by July 1, 2008 and a fourth by July 1, 2009. For those that own or operate more than four facilities, 25 percent of the facilities must have AEDs by July 1, 2006; half by July 1, 2007; 75 percent by July 1, 2008; and all by July 1, 2009.
NEW YORK LAW REQUIRES AEDS IN ALL LARGE HEALTH CLUBS AND FITNESS CENTERS
A new law will require large health clubs and fitness centers to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), but gives these facilities six months to comply.
Under the law, Health Clubs and Fitness Centers with 500 or more members will be required to have at least one AED. Facility employees will have to be certified in CPR and in operating the AEDs.
The law was originally passed in June. After Health Club officials complained they would have trouble complying within the six months originally granted, the Legislature extended the phase-in by a year. Governor Pataki announced he signed the extension late last week.
Good article , you make some interesting points .
Health Clubs Data
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