The National Assembly's Petitions Committee has reported on a petition submitted by Mr Phil Hill that called for legislation to ensure that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are made available in all public places.
The Committee found that:
- Public Access Defibrillators help save lives and increase survival rates;
- there is a need to raise public awareness of how easy they are to use and that they can be used safely by untrained people; and
- legislation should be considered to underpin the need for the registration of publicly available AEDs in Wales and to provide 'Good Samaritan' reassurance to untrained members of the public who may use them to try to save someone's life.
Committee Chair William Powell AM said:
"We were surprised to learn how straightforward these devices are to use. The demonstration given to us - during the course of a Committee meeting - brought home that they are very simple to use and that it is difficult if not impossible to do so in a way that causes harm. There is little doubt that almost everyone is capable of using them to save lives."
"We understand that many members of the public, who are unaware of their simplicity of use, may be reticent to use them in real life saving situations. We've asked the Welsh Government to consider if it can raise public awareness of the availability and benefits of Defibrillators and get the message across that they can be used safely by untrained people."
"We also think the Welsh Government should consider whether legislation might help ensure that the location of defibrillators is registered so that the public and emergency services know where they can be found. Legislation might also be a way of reassuring the public that they can be 'Good Samaritans' and use defibrillators without concern of adverse legal consequences."
Mr Phil Hill, the lead petitioner said:
"I am delighted that the Committee has chosen to support the petition. Since April last year campaigners and fundraisers across Wales have been busy continuing to raise awareness and funding to put Defibs out in Welsh communities. This has led to lives being saved where they would otherwise have been lost so I would therefore urge the Welsh Government to adopt these easily achievable recommendations.
"Within the newly formed 'Welsh Defib Alliance' (being led by the Welsh Ambulance Service) Jack's family and I will continue lobbying for a formal "Jack's Law" to ensure rapid access to Defibs in or near every public building.
"These recommendations are a very important rung on the ladder towards us achieving this objective in Jacks memory."
"I understand that the Committee's report is likely to be debated by the Assembly in the autumn. Ahead of that debate, I would urge members of the public to tell their Assembly Members about the importance of Defibs, especially if they have a story to tell with regard to resuscitation in a public place. With heart disease being so prevalent in Wales, I strongly believe Wales should take the lead with this life saving equipment."