Committee votes in favor of Deschambault bill to increase access to defibrillators

AUGUSTA — A bill from Sen. Susan Deschambault, D-Biddeford, to increase access to automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in Maine received committee support on Wednesday. The Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted in favor of the amended version of LD 1169, “An Act To Provide Ready Access to Defibrillators in Businesses and Pharmacies.”

As amended, the bill would change the title to “An Act Regarding Automated External Defibrillators,” and replaces the text of the original bill. The new text for this bill removes the requirement to install AEDs in pharmacies or businesses with an occupancy greater than 200 people. In its place the amendment will create a voluntary registry of AEDs in Maine, which emergency dispatchers will have access to. In an emergency situation when 911 is called, the dispatch will be able to inform the caller and/or emergency personnel where the nearest AED is located. 

“The new version of this bill is less costly and more efficient than the previous one,” said Sen. Deschambault. “It also will achieve a better delivery of services. By increasing access to defibrillators, instead of just adding to the quantity of AEDs that are publically accessible, this registry is a more strategic approach.” 

Sen. Deschambault worked with several stakeholders on this issue to develop the amendment, including Sam Hurley, Director of Emergency Medical Services at the Department of Public Safety.

LD 1169 originally was considered during the first session. It was passed by the Legislature, but then recalled from the governor’s desk and carried over to the current session, before Gov. Janet Mills could sign it, veto it or let the bill become law without her signature.

LD 1169 now faces further votes from the Maine House and Senate.