By Bob Katzen

Bill (H 4719) passed up at the statehouse requires automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in all public schools and their athletic events. The new law also mandates that each school have on duty a person who has completed a course on CPR and the use of an AED. It allows a school to get a hardship waiver if it can’t comply with this new law. Another provision protects the operator of the AED from liability other than gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct when using it on a patient.

   Supporters say this common-sense requirement will save lives and argued this type of legislation should have become law years ago.