Press Room

California State Law Requires AED Programs in All Health Clubs & Studios by July 1, 2007, ACE Supports This Life-Saving Legislation

Posted: Mar 20, 2007 in

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (March 19, 2007) – Beginning July 1, 2007, every health club in California must have an automated external defibrillator (AED) program in place, as required by California Health and Safety Code, Section 104113. The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s Authority on Fitness, supports this legislation and its ability to increase survival from cardiovascular emergencies, cardiac arrest and stroke in a fitness setting.

“ACE supports this requirement because it increases public access to life-saving AED devices. When an AED is readily available, individuals can use it within the first few minutes of an event to significantly improve a victim’s chances of survival,” said Dr. Cedric Bryant, PhD., FACSM, chief science officer for ACE. “ACE is committed to doing its part to enhance consumer safety in the fitness environment by providing first aid, CPR and AED training to health and fitness professionals and by requiring our certified professionals to hold a current CPR credential to maintain their certifications.”

The law provides “Good Samaritan” protection for gym employees who use an AED in an emergency situation. They will not be liable for civil damages from such use except in cases of gross negligence or reckless misconduct.

As a National Training Center for the American Heart Association (AHA), ACE offers a First Aid, CPR and AED course (AHA Heartsaver First Aid with CPR and AED) to fitness professionals and the general public interested in learning these lifesaving techniques throughout the year in various cities across the United States.

In addition, ACE provides the AHA’s new Heartsaver AED Anytime Personal Learning Program. This distance learning course provides individuals with a flexible, research-proven alternative to the traditional, classroom-style Heartsaver AED live course. To register for a course or for more information visit the ACE website at www.acefitness.org.

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