Lawmakers Push for Defibrillators
in Public Places
By Daniel Dullum
Spectrum staff writer
Citing a public health need, two state lawmakers have introduced bills in the
California Assembly calling for public installation of defibrillators —
the devices used to shock cardiac arrest victims’ hearts back into rhythm.
Assemblywoman Fran Pavley, D-Woodland Hills, introduced AB 1369, which would
require all nursing homes, long-term care and residential care facilities for
the elderly to purchase automated external defibrillators and train personnel
in their use.
The device, smaller than a carry-on suitcase, can monitor a heart attack victim’s
heart to determine whether the organ has stopped pumping blood because its muscle
fibers are not working in synchronization — a condition known as ventricular
fibrillation.
If the problem is sensed by the device’s computer, an electrical current
is sent to two pads, which are applied to the victim’s chest to jolt the
heart back into rhythm. If the problem is not sensed, no electrical current
is created, to avoid possible shocks.
Unlike the large defibrillators used with great dramatic effect in television
dramas like “E.R.,” the small portable devices are intended for use
by the untrained general public, and studies have shown that even with no training,
a person can use the device to save a life.
If approved by the Legislature and governor, AB 1369 would take effect Jan.
1, 2005, for private facilities. State-operated facilities would not be required
to comply until Jan. 1, 2008.
“Statistics show that when defibrillators are used immediately on cardiac
arrest victims, the survival rate is almost 100 percent,” Pavley said.
“However, because traditional emergency medical services take eight to
15 minutes to respond, the overall survival rates for cardiac arrest victims
in most U.S. communities are only 5 to 10 percent.
“I am convinced that this bill can and will save lives,” Pavley added.
On another front, Assemblywoman Shirley Horton, R-Chula Vista, has introduced
AB 1145 to require the Department of General Services to apply for federal grants
for the purchase of publicly accessible defibrillators for all state-owned and
leased buildings.
Horton’s bill also would require the DGS to consult with the Emergency
Medical Services Authority and the American Heart Association to develop and
adopt proper policies and training procedures.
The American Heart Association and the California Firefighters Association are
sponsors of Horton’s measure.
Given California’s state budget crisis, the aspect of securing federal
funding is paramount to both bills. The cost of a defibrillator ranges from
about $1,899 to $3,785, according to Internet companies which sell the device.
“There is no opposition that we know of,” said Chris Barman of Horton’s
staff. “We’re getting broad support from both Republicans and Democrats
in regard to getting that allocation of grant money from the federal government.”
Horton cited statistics which indicate that 60 percent of all cardiac arrests
occur outside of the hospital, and the average national survival rate for out-of-hospital
cardiac arrest is only 5 percent.
“Communities that have established and implemented public access defibrillation
programs have achieved average survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
of up to 50 percent,” she continued.
Availability of automated external defibrillators made the California Senior
Legislature’s top 10 list for desired state laws last year, and that organization
is expected to assist in the lobbying efforts for both measures.
The Senior Legislature approved a proposal by member Martin Tucker which would
require the availability of AEDs in long-term facilities where the licensed
bed capacity exceeds 60 people, and in every senior center. The facilities would
be responsible for buying the equipment and training their personnel to use
it.
The Assembly Health Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on AB 1369 on April
22. AB 1145 has been referred to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee,
with no hearing date scheduled.
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