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In a significant move to enhance the safety of young athletes, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed groundbreaking legislation, mandating the implementation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in youth sports programs and camps.
This legislative action, inspired in part by the on-field cardiac arrest of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, marks a major step forward in safeguarding the health of children involved in athletic activities.
The Essence of the Legislation
The new law requires camps and youth sports programs with five or more teams to establish AED implementation plans. These plans are designed to ensure AEDs are available or reasonably accessible at every camp, game, or practice.
Additionally, the legislation stipulates that at least one person trained in AED operation be present at these events. This provision aims to prepare teams and camps to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, thus significantly increasing the chances of survival and safety for young athletes.
Reflections from Key Figures
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of this measure, stating:
"We all remember the terrifying moment when Damar Hamlin was injured last February... By requiring camps and youth sports programs to establish an AED implementation plan, kids will be safer and teams will be prepared."
Damar Hamlin himself reflected on his experience, noting:
“Growing up, in all the years that I played football, I don’t remember thinking about where an AED was located or who was trained to use one... This new law will help protect tens of thousands of kids in New York State — and is a really important step in saving lives.”
Impactful Advocacy and Support
The legislation drew substantial support from various stakeholders, including State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Assemblymember Steven Otis.
Mayer highlighted, “More than 7,000 children experience cardiac emergencies each year, and too often an AED is not available.”
Otis added, "Sudden cardiac arrest has a 90% fatality rate, but those outcomes can be improved when CPR and AED response occurs within three minutes of an episode."
The advocacy efforts of Dana Colasante and Alice Schoen, co-founders of Project ADAM New York at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, were instrumental in the bill's passage. Their personal experiences with cardiac emergencies in family members at youth sporting events fueled their dedication to this cause.
A Step Towards Greater Safety
This legislation is a significant advancement in ensuring the well-being of young athletes in New York. By mandating the presence of AEDs and trained personnel at youth sports events and camps, the state is taking a proactive stance in addressing the risk of cardiac emergencies.
This move not only enhances the safety of these activities but also provides peace of mind to parents, coaches, and the athletes themselves. As Dr. Patrick Thomas from the American Heart Association Westchester Board stated:
“We applaud the advocacy of Project ADAM NY in taking a step towards ensuring more access to AEDs at camps and youth sports program."
This law represents a paradigm shift in how youth sports programs and camps approach emergency preparedness, setting a precedent for other states to follow in prioritizing the health and safety of young athletes.
For more:
Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Keep Kids Safe from Cardiac Emergencies
