http://www.akdemocrats.org/Documents/050403_olson_good_samaritan.pdf

Additional information: SB160 Olson

JUNEAU – Senate Bill 160, extending the Good Samaritan immunity for providers of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) passed the Senate on Friday with a vote of 17-2. Introduced by Senator Donald Olson (D-Nome), this legislation will provide faster treatment to Alaskans who suffer a cardiac arrest by increasing the availability of AEDs. Each year, 250,000 people die in the United States as a result of sudden cardiac arrest. “I want to encourage the proliferation of this life saving technology throughout all areas of Alaska,” said Olson. Businesses and municipalities are interested in making AEDs more accessible in the workplace and in locations where large groups gather for the life safety of their employees and the public. AEDs have evolved significantly over the past years and the current generation of devices is much safer and easier to use. “These new devices have the ability to discern between shockable and non-shockable rhythm; for that reason, it is literally impossible to shock a person who does not require it,” stated Olson. SB 160 passed unanimously through both the Senate HESS and Judiciary Committees with great support from the American Heart Association. The bill heads now to the House.

###

Putting Alaskans First · Moving Alaska Forward 2004
Sen. Bettye Davis, Sen. Johnny Ellis, Sen. Kim Elton, Sen. Lyman Hoffman, Sen. Hollis French, Sen. Gretchen Guess, Sen. Georgianna Lincoln, Sen. Donny Olson, Rep. Ethan Berkowitz, Rep. Sharon Cissna, Rep. Harry Crawford, Rep. Eric Croft, Rep. Les Gara, Rep. Max Gruenberg, Rep. David Guttenberg, Rep. Reggie Joule, Rep. Mary Kapsner, Rep. Beth Kerttula, Rep. Albert Kookesh, Rep. Carl Moses