Debbie Dingell: “I rise in support of H.R. 2498, the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2000, which was reported by voice vote by the…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 2498, the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 2000, which was reported by voice vote by the Committee on Commerce. I want to take this opportunity to commend the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Mr. Bilirakis, the Chairman of the full Committee, Mr. Bliley, and the author of the bill, Mr. Stearns, for their work in bringing this legislation to the floor. This legislation has 130 cosponsors, including 13 Democratic members of the Committee on Commerce. It is also supported by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and the Administration. Mr. Speaker, testimony before the Committee showed that returning the heart to its normal rhythm quickly is the single most important thing needed to improve the chance of survival from cardiac arrest. In Las Vegas, where automated electronic defibrillators have been placed in casinos and casino employees have been trained in their use, the out-of-hospital survival rate from cardiac arrest has increased dramatically. Prior to the widespread deployment of these devices, the cardiac arrest survival rate in Las Vegas was only 10 percent; it is now 57 percent. Defibrillation clearly saves lives. The purpose of H.R. 2498, therefore, is to encourage Federal agencies to install automated external defibrillators in their buildings and to give so-called 'Good Samaritan' protections from liability for people who use or acquire these devices.”