Community Corner

Defibrillator Bill Goes To The Governor

Legislation sponsored by Senator Ray Lesniak, Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano to increase access, availability, and the use of defibrillators by Good Samaritans in emergency situations, has passed both the Senate and Assembly.

After unanimously clearing the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Services Committee at the start of the month and passing through the Senate 37-1,  the AED Good Samaritan Bill protecting those using an automated external defibrillator while attempting to save someone’s life from civil liability was approved Feb. 16 by the Assembly.

Current law does not allow anyone who does not hold an up-to date certification in CPR and AED rescue to attempt to save the life of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. The statute also requires the acquirer of the AED to ensure that anyone who uses an AED hold a current certification. Bill S-852/A832 amends this law, and will provide immunity from civil liability to any person or entity acquiring or using an AED in order to assist a victim experiencing cardiac arrest. It also removes the certification requirement, in order to give Good Samaritans the confidence to respond in emergency situations.

The legislation was inspired by the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation, whose mission is make sure that an AED is available near all public assemblies, the JTB Heart Club at the Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth, NJ.  John Taylor Babbitt was 16 when he passed away suddenly of cardiac arrest from an undiagnosed heart condition while playing basketball in his Youth Ministry League. He was a junior at the Pingry School in Martinsville, NJ. 

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David and JoAnne Babbitt founded the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation in their son’s memory to increase education regarding cardiac arrest, access to AED’s, and help prevent future sudden cardiac deaths. JoAnne Babbitt herself has spent much time in Morris County speaking to schools, civic leaders and making presentations to advance the issue.  

Wendy Hurdman, who has presented with Babbitt on several occasions has led the charge to place AEDs in Chester. " This now puts more pressure on Janet’s Law for schools,” said Hurdman of the pending legislation requiring schools to have AEDs. “But this is also such a nice way to honor John Babbitt.”

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Lesniak, Cryan, and Quijano took a moment to acknowledge the significance of the moment;

“Today is a victory for all of us. This legislation will bring New Jersey’s Good Samaritan law in line with the modern age in which we live.  Automated External Defibrillators are extremely easy to operate, and should be readily available for Good Samaritans to use in life-threatening situations, without hesitation.  This measure will also increase the availability and public awareness of the effectiveness of these devices.  We owe organizations such as the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation and JTB Heart Club a debt of gratitude for their leadership on this issue.  Their hard work may be saving the life of someone you love.”

For her part, JoAnne Babbitt was a bit more demonstrative. “The vote was unanimous, now on to the Governor!”


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