Representatives Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Gerald Connolly (D-VA) have reintroduced the bipartisan Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, which establishes nationwide standards for legally protecting the usage of defibrillators outside of hospitals during cardiac emergencies.
In other words, state-level Good Samaritan laws for using an automated external defibrillator (AED) outside of hospitals will be streamlined into a single federal law, thereby encouraging more people to try and help someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
After all, as Rep. Franklin's press release noted, approximately 365,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur every year outside of hospitals, according to the American Heart Association. 90% prove fatal, and survival rates worsen the longer the victim goes without defibrillation.
The closer to the event defibrillation occurs, survival rates jump to 70%.
However, while all 50 states and the District of Columbia have Good Samaritan laws, they differ, which discourages the ownership and use of AEDs by individuals and businesses because of liability concerns, a 2020 survey reflects such a lack of confidence, with only 5.3% of respondents saying they felt confident using an AED many saying they were worried about the legal consequences.
In his press release, Rep. Franklin said, "The Cardiac Arrest Survival Act is focused on saving lives. Each year, thousands of Americans suffer sudden cardiac arrest in public spaces, and all too often, lifesaving defibrillation is limited or delayed due to liability concerns. This bill removes those barriers, ensuring AEDs are more accessible and those who help in emergencies are protected. It's a straightforward solution to make our communities safer and more prepared in critical moments when every second counts."
Similarly, Rep. Connolly added, "Access to AEDs is critical to saving lives during a cardiac emergency. As Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I made it a priority that County buildings and schools deploy this lifesaving technology, and that staff have the knowledge and training to use these tools effectively. This legislation will ensure we don't allow fear of liability or a patchwork of differing protections across the states to prevent an individual or business from taking all necessary measures to save a life."
