Massachussetts Law Would Require AED’s in Health and Fitness Centers

A new law in Massachusetts may soon be passed that will require gyms to have automated external defibrillators (AED). The American Heart Association recommends that AEDs be installed at: airports, convention centers, sports stadiums and arenas, large industrial buildings, high-rise offices, large health fitness facilities, or wherever large groups of people gather.

The Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator that you see here has guided interactive voice instructions that will only deliver a shock if it detects a need. It will also coach users through the steps of CPR. Without defibrillation, a person’s chances of survival after cardiac arrest drops by 10 percent every minute.

And in case you’re worried about being sued for malpractice should anything go wrong while you attempt to use an AED on a stranger, the Massachusetts bill has already thought of that.

The bill would require each health club have at least one employee or volunteer present at all times who is trained to use the AED. Under the bill if someone who is not an emergency medical care provider uses an AED on a patient, that so-called good Samaritan is not liable for any negative outcome, provided there is no gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

In related news, a newly installed AED saved a man’s life at Yarmouth Middle School in Maine when he collapsed during a basketball game.

Metro West Daily News, October 9, 2006

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