HARRISBURG – In an effort to raise awareness about the positive and life-saving benefits automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) can provide, Rep. Rosemary M. Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) sponsored House Resolution 104, establishing Feb. 22-28, as “AED Awareness Week in Pennsylvania.” Brown organized an AED training seminar at the Capitol earlier today run by John and Rachel Moyer, before her resolution was unanimously passed by the House.
“With February being American Heart Month, I thought this was a meaningful time to establish an AED Awareness Week across the Commonwealth,” Brown explained. “Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., and it can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any age. Using an AED is an effective way to restore a regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest, and I believe it is important that people widely know how to operate the devices in the event of an emergency.”
Last year, Brown sponsored Act 35 of 2014, a new state law that established an AED program within the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Brown’s plan directs the PDE to issue an invitation for bids every two years for the costs of the AEDs, in hopes that entities, specifically schools, are able to obtain the devices for a lower cost.
Brown has worked closely with John and Rachel Moyer, residents of the 189th District from East Stroudsburg, who lost their 15-year-old son, Gregory, when he collapsed and tragically died during halftime at his high school basketball game in 2000. After their son’s death, they made it their mission to get more AEDs into Pennsylvania schools.
“I cannot thank the Moyers enough for their dedication to this cause,” Brown said while recognizing them and addressing her colleagues about the resolution on the House floor. “I commend them for their aspiration to make our schools safer in this capacity and for working proactively to ensure other families might not have to suffer the loss of a child to sudden cardiac arrest, when an AED at school could have potentially saved their life. The Moyers have been instrumental in their efforts to help make a difference, and it has been an honor to work with them on this issue.”
Brown also recognized George Over, Toni Pellegrini and Lorraine Sikora on the House floor, as they have also dedicated much time to this issue due to the loss of a child and nephew.
“Simply put, time is of the essence when it comes to AED awareness, and with that, it is extremely important we take every possible effort to ensure that AEDs and other potential life-saving devices are available in our schools,” Brown said.
Video of Brown’s floor remarks are available here.
SOURCE: PA House Republican Caucus