Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District) and Assemblymember Harvey Weisenberg (20th Assembly District) joined at the New York Sports Clubs in Long Beach recently to announce the beginning of a new law which requires automated external defibrillators (AED) to be on hand at all New York State health clubs with memberships of 500 or more. The new law, which Senator Fuschillo and Assemblymember Weisenberg sponsored in their respective houses, went into effect on July 20th.

The law calls for health clubs, health spas, health studios, gymnasiums, weight control studios, martial arts and self-defense school whose membership is at least 500 members to maintain at least one operational AED which is approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration on site. The new law also requires health clubs to have at least one staff member on site during all business hours who is trained to use an AED and who is trained to perform CPR.

Defibrillators are electrical devices used to counteract fibrillation of the heart muscle and restore normal heartbeat by applying a brief electric shock. Using defibrillators can significantly increase the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest.

"When a person goes into cardiac arrest, a few seconds can mean the difference in avoiding tragedy and all technology that can help must be utilized. With so many New Yorkers working hard to stay in shape, there is a great need to offer the best protection possible," stated Senator Fuschillo. "The ability to have these devices on hand will greatly enhance the safety of the thousands of health club patrons across New York State."

Senator Fuschillo and Assemblymember Weisenberg made the announcement at the New York Sports Clubs in Long Beach. All of the branches of the company have been equipped with the devices and to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

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