Sunday, February 17, 2013
New lifesaving AEDs purchased by anonymous donor now in service for Chester Township.
The Chester Township Police are now armed with the latest in automated external defibrillator (AED) technology thanks to the timely assistance of an anonymous donor. "This equipment is invaluable in dealing with a real life saving emergency," Chester Township Police Chief Wayne Martini said. "We are always the first ones on the scene of an incident, and we can save lives with these devices." The AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm. The model that was being used by the Chester Township Police …
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Automatic defibrillators are popping up in many spots in Mendham and Chester, but compliance isn't mandatory yet.
Last week, Governor Chris Christie signed the Good Samaritan Law, which absolves those trying to help save lives of responsibility if they cause injury while attempting to give aid, and extends that protection to people owning or using an automatic external defibrillator (AED) during a cardiac arrest. While that step was crucial, the work to ensure all schools and athletic fields are protected by AEDs continues. An AED is a portable device that is used to restore heart rhythms to patients in cardiac arrest, and people like Wendy Hurdman in Chester and Dawn Nutt in Mendham have been working tirelessly to arrange the purchasing and set up of the devices in their communities. "Hopefully next on New Jersey 2012 agenda is to pass Janet's bill, …
Friday, May 4, 2012
Chatham residents Dave and JoAnne Babbitt worked for years to get the government to pass a liability shield for those who use defibrillators to save lives.
Gov. Chris Christie signed a Good Samaritan Bill into law Thursday morning, over two months after the bill was passed by the State Senate by a vote of 37-1 and passed the Assembly unanimously 75-0. The Good Samaritan Law absolves those trying to help save a life of responsibility if they cause injury while attempting to give aid. Until now, this protection did not extend to a person owning or using an automatic external defibrillator (AED) during a cardiac arrest. An AED is a portable device that is used to restore heart rhythms to patients in cardiac arrest. It automatically analyzes the heart rhythm of the patient and advises the user whether or not a defibrillator is needed to return the patient to a normal heart beat. New Jersey is …
Monday, April 16, 2012
Chris Christie sends letter thanking group for AED fundraising work in his home town.
The newly christened West Morris Junior Women's Club (formerly Mendham Junior Women's Club) started off the use of their new moniker with a congratulatory letter from Governor Chris Christie praising the organization's efforts to fund automated external defibrilators for Mendham parks and field. Christie's letter (viewable in PDF form in this article) referred to the Mardis Gras themed fundraiser the group held. According the Nicole Geary, one of the presidents of the club, this particular fundraiser came from one place. "Dawn Nutt, Fundraiser Chair for the AED project has been trying to get Automatic External Defibrillators on all the Mendham sports fields," Geary said. "She held a pancake supper with the help of Hilltop Church to add …
Thursday, February 16, 2012
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…
Monday, February 13, 2012
Good Samaritan bill to remove civil liability for using automated external defibrillators, 37-1.
After unanimously clearing the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Services Committee at the start of the month the AED Good Samaritan Bill that would protect good Samaritans who use an automated external defibrillator while attempting to save someone’s life from civil liability was approved Feb. 13 by the full Senate. The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 37-1 and it is scheduled for a vote in the Assembly on Thursday. Many credit the progression of the bill to feedback from the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation whose mission is make sure that an AED is available near all public assemblies. For her part, JoAnne Babbitt downplays that talk. "We are just one voice representing many," Babbitt said. The Vice-President of the …
Pancake supper to raise funds for AED installation coming to Hilltop House.
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Monday, February 13, 2012
Unlimited pancakes and the good company of your neighbors will be on hand at the Hilltop House on Feb. 21 when the Junior Women's Club hosts a Pancake Supper. Proceeds of the event will benefit the AED Play Safe project which vows one AED for every field. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at Robinson's Drug Shop or Mendham Books.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Expanded Good Samaritan law makes it easier for the Township to install AEDs.
Community members lobbying for Chester Township to join their neighbors in the Borough and the Mendhams in installing defibrillators around town are hoping a new law can remove a stumbling block. The Good Samaritan Law absolves those trying to help save a life of responsibility if they cause injury while attempting to give aid. Up until now this did not extend to a person owning or using an automatic external defibrillator during a cardiac arrest. A pair of bills about to hit the floor of the senate mean to change that. An automated external defibrillator is a portable device that is used to restore heart rhythms to patients in cardiac arrest. It automatically analyzes the heart rhythm of the patient and advises the user whether or not a…
Doug Fenichel
8:54 am on Tuesday, May 8, 2012
I've never heard anyone call a defibrillator a "waste." There are too many studies that show AEDs are often the only way to restore a heart to its proper rhythm. Each minute of waiting for one cuts a person's chance to survive sudden cardiac arrest. I've been a paramedic for almost 25 years and a firefighter for longer. I've seen AEDs save lives. AEDs are easy to operate, even without training. … more ›