Volunteers who utilized automated external defibrillators are protected according to Lakes MLA Keith Bain. Just recently, Bain’s amendments to the Volunteer Services Act aims on protecting a volunteer who uses an automated external defibrillator during emergency situations from lawsuits that have passed with all-party support. The new amendment will also extend protection to organizations whose AED will be used.
Based on Bain’s statement in a press release, it is a vital step forward and can save lives. Many people are nervous to use AEDs for fear of liability. With the amendment, they are protected.
Urging the use of AEDs
An automated external defibrillator is a portable device that automatically assesses a life-threatening heart arrhythmia of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia and can treat a person via defibrillation.
The Emergency Health Services launched an offline AED registry database back in 2011 to monitor the locations and maintenance records of all AEDs in Nova Scotia.
Bain added that he encourages everyone with an AED to have it registered to help save lives.
Importance of first aid training
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) can save a life. Prompt delivery of life-saving techniques improves the chances of survival during emergencies.
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a CPR and AED course and for more information, check out these sources:
Wikipedia – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Overview and Techniques
Wikipedia – Automated External Defibrillator (AED): Understanding Life-Saving Technology
WebMD – Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Treatment: Techniques and Guidelines