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A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

04 May: Vitale-Gordon Bill To Create Liability Shield For Organizations, Individuals Who Use Defibrillators Becomes Law

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Bob Gordon that protects from civil liability good Samaritans who use an automated external defibrillator while attempting to save someone’s life was signed into law yesterday.

“The moments after a sudden cardiac arrest can make the difference between life and death,” said Senator Vitale, (D-Middlesex) Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “If defibrillation is administered via an AED, a person’s likelihood of surviving a cardiac episode increases dramatically. We need to make sure that the law recognizes the life-saving potential of these devices and shield good Samaritans from lawsuits should they malfunction or if, even with the good faith efforts to revive someone, the person dies.”

A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

17 Feb: Vitale-Gordon Bill To Create Liability Shield For Organizations, Individuals Who Use Defibrillators Receives Final Approval, Heads To Governor’s Desk

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Bob Gordon that would protect from civil liability good Samaritans who use an automated external defibrillator while attempting to save someone’s life was unanimously passed in the Assembly yesterday, receiving final legislative approval.

“Hundreds of thousands of people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest, many of whom could have had the chance for survival if an automated external defibrillator was available and used within the first few minutes of distress,” said Senator Vitale, (D-Middlesex) Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “Unfortunately, our current laws discourage organizations from obtaining AEDs by adding liability concerns for both the organizations and those who attempt to save a life using the machine. This legislation will protect those who in good faith use an AED in an attempt to save someone’s life.”

A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

13 Feb: Vitale-Gordon Bill To Create Liability Shield For Organizations, Individuals Who Use Defibrillators Advances

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Bob Gordon that would protect good Samaritans who use an automated external defibrillator while attempting to save someone’s life from civil liability was approved today by the full Senate.

“For someone in cardiac arrest, early access to defibrillation is key to saving their life,” said Senator Vitale, (D-Middlesex) Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “Organizations are currently fearful of acquiring these life-saving defibrillators because it opens them up to liability concerns including lawsuits. This legislation updates the law to protect those good Samaritans who go out of their way to try and save someone in cardiac arrest.”

A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

30 Jan: Vitale-Gordon Bill To Create Liability Shield For Organizations, Individuals Who Use Defibrillators Advances

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale and Bob Gordon that would protect good Samaritans who use an automated external defibrillator while attempting to save someone’s life from civil liability was approved unanimously today by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

“Hundreds of thousands of people die every year from sudden cardiac arrest, many of whom could be saved if an automated external defibrillator was nearby,” said Senator Vitale, (D-Middlesex) Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. “Unfortunately, our current laws discourage organizations from acquiring a defibrillator, and put undo strain – including fear of lawsuits – on those who use the devices to save a person’s life. This legislation updates the law to protect those good Samaritans who go out of their way to try and save someone in cardiac arrest.”