Legislature Passes Bill for Use of AEDs

A measure - HB 580 - that should ultimately make lifesaving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) more available throughout Texas was approved by the Texas Legislature on May 26.

The American Heart Association (AHA) applauds the Texas Legislature and emergency care volunteers from throughout the state, who united to encourage passage of the bill.

This lifesaving law, introduced by Senator Jane Nelson and Representative Kyle Janek, allows all trained persons who have access to or use an AED, to use the device without risk of a lawsuit when used in good faith.

"This legislation lays the groundwork for increased availability and usage of these lifesaving devices," says Dr. Clyde W. Yancy, president of the AHA, Texas Affiliate.

"The American Heart Association estimates that sudden cardiact arrest, also known as sudden cardiac death, has a survival rate of 5 percent and claims at least 250,000 lives each year in the United States. However, it is a treatable condition - if prompt action is taken," Dr. Yancy adds. Dr. Yancy also emphasized that "a study has shown that when defibrillation is administered within the first few minutes of an arrest, the survival rate is as high as 90 percent. With every minute of delay the chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent. AEDs will save lives when paired with trained and protected responders throughout our state."

An individual can be properly trained in CPR and in the use of an AED in just a few hours. The AHA's HeartSaver AED program, which includes both CPR and AED training, can be completed in 3-4 hours. The price of an AED varies by make and model. Most units cost around $3,000.

- American Heart Association

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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