The office of State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) successfully pushed the passage of a bill that will require AEDs in nursing homes. Having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, it now awaits signing at the governor’s desk.
An iconic piece of lifesaving medical equipment, automatic external defibrillators are a staple of any emergency medical kit, and have steadily grown more common in public places. Their presence saves lives: 9/10 of people treated with a defibrillator within a minute of entering cardiac arrest survive.
“AEDs save lives,” said Turner. “Having them at nursing homes will increase the chances of survival during cardiac arrest.”
Under current law, AEDs are required in public schools, fitness centers, horse racing facilities, police departments and dental offices. Although AEDs are increasingly mandatory in many major public spaces, at present one major location in which they are not required is within the confines of assisted living facilities.
House Bill 1287 would change that, requiring nursing homes to have an AED by Jan. 1, 2030. Additionally, Turner’s measure requires all facility staff certified to use an AED to have completed courses in CPR and AED usage.
“We can assure the families of nursing home residents that their facility has lifesaving devices on site,” said Turner.
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