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Senate approves bill allowing broader use of automatic external defibrillators
Summary
Substitute House Bill 98 cleared the Senate after proponents argued that modern automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) can be used safely by minimally trained people and could save lives; the measure passed by roll call and will be returned to the House for signature.
The Utah Senate approved Substitute House Bill 98 on March 2, 1998, a measure that would broaden who may legally operate automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in emergency situations.
Sen. Craig Peterson, explaining the bill, said current law limits AED use to certified EMTs and medically trained practitioners but that advances in the devices allow "almost any reasonably trained person" to use them. He argued the equipment could save many lives, saying the technology "can be used by almost any reasonably trained person" and that, in broad terms, it could prevent cardiac deaths in settings such as search-and-rescue teams and venues with large crowds.
Sen. Steiner offered a firsthand example to underscore the bill's intent, recounting a recent incident at a Park City clinic where a heart attack victim died and staff said they lacked a defibrillator. That anecdote was used to illustrate the potential public-health benefit of wider AED access.
The Senate voted by roll call; the clerk announced 27 aye votes, no nays and two absent (first substitute HB98). The bill will be returned to the House for the president's signature and final enrolling.
Supporters said the measure modernizes statute to reflect simpler, automated AED technology and will expand emergency response capability across nonmedical settings. The Senate recorded no extended opposition on the floor during the final vote.
