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Register of Deeds, lawmakers urge wider AED placement in public buildings (S.1473 / H.2349)
Summary
Norfolk County Register Bill O'Donnell and other supporters told the committee S.1473/H.2349 would expand access to automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in public buildings; witnesses emphasized low unit and maintenance costs and higher survival rates with early defibrillation.
Supporters testified in favor of S.1473 and H.2349, bills that would require or expand automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in public buildings and public‑facing locations.
Bill O'Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds, described his office’s experience installing AEDs in 2010 and said the devices and training are affordable. “When we put it back in 2010, it was less, the maintenance costs are only $2.95 per unit. And every two years we get certified,” O’Donnell told the committee, adding that current unit prices are roughly $2,000 and staff certification costs about $750 for a group. He cited Red Cross guidance that AED availability significantly improves outcomes for cardiac arrest victims.
O’Donnell thanked Senator Rush and Representative Vaughn for filing bills and said the measure previously was reported favorably from committee in an earlier session and reached the House steering committee last year. “Last year, it got reported favorably out of this committee,” he said, noting prior progress and urging renewed action.
Committee members asked about program scope, maintenance and training. Witnesses said cost was modest relative to potential lifesaving benefits and that pilot programs had been proposed in other communities.
