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NYC to provide AEDs for little league teams

The Department of Parks and Recreation chose six parks in each borough to place AEDs

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The AEDs are estimated to cost the city $6 million over the next six years.

Photo/Greg Friese

By FireRescue1 Staff

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — A new law will make defibrillators available to little league baseball teams during games and practices.

CNN reported that New York is the first U.S. city to pass a law that gives free AEDs to any of city’s parks.

“An automated external defibrillator is a person’s best chance of surviving a sudden cardiac death,” council member Steven Matteo said. “This legislation will dramatically expand access to AEDs, along with proper training, for thousands of little leagues teams, free of charge.”

A sudden blunt impact to the chest is linked to sudden cardiac death and is most commonly seen in baseball, according to the report. There’s 10 to 25 cases of sudden cardiac death per year in those younger than 30, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

The Department of Parks and Recreation chose six parks in each borough to place AEDs. The city is also required to provide free training on the use of AEDs to coaches and umpires.

To receive an AED, baseball leagues need to request a permit through the city to use a park and attend a training session.

“The bill is expected to be fully implemented this upcoming season, as the city is just completing initial AED training and distribution for all little leagues. I hope no one ever has to use these devices, but as a parent myself, it is a comfort to know these lifesaving devices are readily available,” Matteo said.

The AEDs are estimated to cost the city $6 million over the next six years.

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