A bill has been signed into law requiring all New York camps and youth sports programs to establish automated external defibrillator, or AED, implementation plans and to have at least one person trained to properly use the AED at camps, games and practice.
“We all remember the terrifying moment when Damar Hamlin was injured last January, but young athletes at schools and camps could be exposed to similar risks,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “By requiring camps and youth sports programs to establish an AED implementation plan, kids will be safer and teams will be prepared. I want every parent in New York to know: we’re doing everything we can to keep your kids safe.”
Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin said, “Growing up, in all the years that I played football, I don’t remember thinking about where an AED was located or who was trained to use one. I think that many people have had the same experience. My journey has shown us that no one expects cardiac arrest to happen – and we all need to be prepared. By requiring that at least one person is trained to properly use an AED at every sports event, camp and practice, this new law will help protect tens of thousands of kids in New York State – and is a really important step in saving lives.”
Legislation S.7424/A.366A, pursuant to changes agreed to with the Legislature, will require camps and youth sports programs with five or more teams participating to establish an AED implementation plan. Such plans will detail how AEDs will be made available or reasonably accessible at every camp, game or practice. The AED implementation plans will also detail how the camps and programs will ensure that when practicable at least one employee, volunteer, coach, umpire or other qualified adult who has successfully completed a training course in the operation of an AED is present.
