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Sponsor Statement for HB 84
Civil Liability for Emergency Aid

An Act relating to civil liability for emergency aid.

The proliferation of automated external defibrillators, commonly known as 'AEDs', provides an invaluable tool in the battle against cardiac arrest. These devices, which electronically monitor the heart condition and automatically administer precise electronic impulses to a victim's heart, are an integral part of the early intervention on behalf of heart attack victims.

House Bill 84 addresses the civil liability incurred when utilizing an AED to help save the life of a victim felled by cardiac arrest. Currently, in order to be protected under the state's civil liability umbrella, a person must complete training in a certified CPR course as well as an additional 4 hour training course on the usage of an automated external defibrillator. In the interest of further allowing the utilization of these life-saving devices, this legislation would alleviate the additional requirement in the instance where the original CPR course included instruction on the usage of an AED.

Technological advancements have allowed current AEDs to be virtually foolproof. The machines walk the operator through all of the steps for proper usage, and employ safeguards to disallow incorrect usage. These 'smart' machines automatically monitor the pulse and cardiac conditions of the victim and do not administer a shock if any hookups are incorrect or if the operator has neglected any duties.

With the advancements incorporated into these machines, the need for an additional, redundant training course is an extra cost burden to both the users and their employers, which has been found to directly limit their usage. To have these life-saving devices fail to be utilized because of the cost and hassle of training would be an egregious error on behalf the state.

With the ever-increasing occurrence of heart failures and cardiac arrests in today's society, these machines can save a multitude of lives. State law should not deter the usage of this tremendously successful life saving device.

Your positive consideration of this legislation would be appreciated.

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