Illinois becomes first state in the nation to require such widespread placement of these life-saving devices.
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois - The Governor of Illinois signed legislation to require health clubs, school gymnasiums, and indoor park district facilities to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the premises and have staff trained in its use.
"AEDs are easy to use and have proven to make a critical difference in reviving a person suffering a cardiac crisis," Blagojevich said. "Prompt use of an AED may restore the heart to a normal rhythm and can more than double a person's chance of survival. It makes sense that we make this life-saving technology available in more public places, particularly in facilities where there is strenuous cardiovascular exertion."
Under provisions of House Bill 4232, physical fitness facilities must have at least one AED, have a trained AED user, develop and implement a written plan to deal with medical emergencies, and file the plan with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). IDPH is charged with inspecting fitness facilities whenever a complaint is filed for noncompliance with the law.
HB 4232 was sponsored by state Rep. Daniel Burke (D-Chicago) and Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago). The legislation was created in honor of Colleen O'Sullivan, a former House Democrat staffer who passed away in 2002 at a health club facility due to heart complications.
"When seconds count, access to a defibrillator can be the difference between life and death. This is about taking matters into your own hands and possibly saving the life of a loved one," Lt. Gov. Quinn said. "Governor Blagojevich's signing of this bill makes Illinois a much safer place and honors Colleen O'Sullivan, the young state employee whose tragic death inspired this landmark legislation."
AEDs are about the size of a laptop computer and are used to analyze the heart's rhythm for any abnormalities and, if necessary, direct the rescuer to deliver an electric shock to the victim. Once the machine is switched on, the operator is instructed to apply two electrodes to the victim's chest. If a life-threatening rhythm is detected, the machine will charge itself and instruct the rescuer to stand clear and press the shock button.
"Sudden cardiac arrest cases are usually due to abnormal heart rhythms that can be restored to normal rhythm if treated promptly through an electric shock from an AED," said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director. "Victims collapse and quickly lose consciousness, often without warning and, unless a normal rhythm is restored, death will follow within minutes. By making AEDs more accessible in public places we will be able to save lives."
"I am delighted to have introduced this life saving technology before the state legislature," said Rep. Burke. "This remarkable technology is available in the AED has the potential of saving many, many lives in Illinois."
Physical fitness facilities must have the written plan for responding to medical emergencies filed with IDPH before July 1, 2005. For companies that own or operate four or fewer facilities, an AED must be in place in one facility on or before July 1, 2006, a second facility by July 1, 2007, a third by July 1, 2008 and a fourth by July 1, 2009. For those that own or operate more than four facilities, 25 percent of the facilities must have AEDs by July 1, 2006; half by July 1, 2007; 75 percent by July 1, 2008; and all by July 1, 2009.