Call Kurtis: Why Are Some Businesses Afraid to Have Devices Proven to Save Lives?
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- While playing soccer in 2013 Anibal Rubina dropped dead, "I took a run, I just boom I fell down on the ground," said Anibal.
Lifeless for nine and half minutes Anibal's teammates preformed C-P-R to save him but it was an A-E-D (automated external defibrillator) that got his heart started again.
Anibal, a married father of two was brought back to life by the A-E-D machine that Sacramento State Police Officer Thelma Matthews carries in her patrol car. "It's a good machine, I like it, it saved my life" said Anibal.
The A-E-D is a device proven to save lives, so why don't we see more of them available where the public gathers? Some are saying that there is a statute in the current law that has some business owners afraid to supply them.
Experts tell us; with developments in new technology, A-E-D'S are easier to use than ever, telling you exactly what to do, to save a life.
It's estimated only 10-percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive but that number could be higher, if more businesses and buildings had the life saving devices installed.
Matthew Hargrove with the California Business Properties Association that represents building owners tells us, many buildings do not have A-E-D'S because the law requires training.
In addition, if no one that is trained is around when the A-E-D is needed or used it could have potential consequences if something goes wrong.
"The commercial Real Estate industry wants to put in more AED'S," however, "the fear is that there'll be a lawsuit," said Matthew.
But now Senator Jerry Hill has introduced SB 658 that would change the existing state law because the A-E-D machines are easier to use. Specifically Senator Hill wants to drop the training requirements, which would close the liability loophole that has some businesses scared.
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"The goal is to see as many installed around the state as possible," said Senator Hill.
However, some argue Senator Hill's bill is not a good approach saying that bystanders need approved national training to learn how to confidently use an A-E-D.
Dismissing that argument are organizations like the Red Cross and the American Heart Association who each say this bill could "save lives".
Anibal who is in support of the bill says the A-E-D saved his life and would like to see more of the devices around to save others, "I think everybody should have one everywhere," said Anibal.
In a situation where a bystander would use an A-E-D on someone, the Good Samaritan law says they cannot be sued but the current law does not protect a building owner.
Presently the Senator Hill's bill is working its way through the Capitol and is now on the Assembly floor. If the bill passes the entire Assembly, it will go back to the State Senate for one final vote, and then it would land on the Governor's desk in August.