Sen. Dutremble submits bill to require defibrillators at big box stores

Posted: October 21, 2015 | Front Page, Senator Dutremble

AUGUSTA – Democratic Sen. David Dutremble of Biddeford has submitted a bill for the upcoming legislative session that would require large retail facilities to be equipped with an automated external defibrillator, or AED.

Each year more than 250,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest. Easy access to AEDs can prevent a heart attack from being fatal; According to the American Heart Association at least 20,000 lives could be saved annually by prompt use of AEDs.

“I was made aware of this issue by a constituent who tragically lost her father from a heart attack in a Walmart, which had no defibrillator available,” said Sen. Dutremble. “I am submitting this legislation to ensure that this never happens again in Maine. There is no reason that these life-saving devices should not be readily available in most public places.”

The bill, LR 2189, “An Act To Require Certain Retail Facilities Open to the Public To Be Equipped with Automated External Defibrillators,” would require AED’s in retail facilities with more than a specified square footage.

All legislation will be presented to the Legislative Council for its approval on Thursday, October 22. If approved by the Council, the Legislature will take up bills when they reconvene for the second session in January, 2016.

 

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