Defibrillation is the only effective treatment for cardiac arrest.
I would like to see AEDs and trained personnel widely available, much like fire extinguishers are commonly found in buildings. Today's AEDs are easy to use, require minimal training to operate, and are easier to maintain and cost less. The Cardiac Arrest Survival Act would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop recommendations for public access to defibrillation programs in federal buildings in order to save lives at federal facilities. The programs would include training appropriate personnel in the use of AEDs, notifying local emergency medical services of the placement of AEDs, and ensure proper medical oversight and maintenance of the device. This protection would not apply to agencies and individuals who act with gross negligence or engage in willful or wanton misconduct.