Erie News Now
November 30, 2023
A new law in New York requires youth sports programs and camps across the empire state to have an automatic external defibrillator or AED implementation plan including at least one trained person to use the cardiac device in case of potential emergencies.
Some medical professionals said when cardiac emergencies happen there is a very short window of time to prevent severe health consequences or fatalities.
“No question, the sooner you can start doing good CPR and potentially defibrillate someone if they need the better their outcome is going to be and it really is a matter of minutes,” said Dr. Philip Heavner, chief medical officer, Guthrie Courtland Medical Center.
Dr. Heavner said youth programs should take into account for their plans, making sure the AED is on the sidelines of games and that there are as many trained people as possible.
The new law receives a wide range of support from lawmakers to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
“My journey has shown us that no one expects cardiac arrest to happen – and we all need to be prepared. By requiring that at least one person is trained to properly use an AED at every sports event, camp and practice, this new law will help protect tens of thousands of kids in New York State – and is a really important step in saving lives,” he said.
This legislation is personal not only for professional football players, but for members of youth sports programs.
Sen. Shelley Mayer (D-37th senate district), representing Westchester county, said several members of her community pushed for this legislation after an adult and a child suffered cardiac arrest at a youth sports event.
“Because an AED was present their lives were saved,” said Sen. Mayer.
Sen. Mayer said she plans to push for additional money in this years state budget to help programs purchase AED’s.