By Sharla Steinman
Loveland Reporter-Herald
LOVELAND, Colo. — Beginning in 2026, new public spaces with an occupancy of 100 people or more will be required to have an automated external defibrillator onsite to assist with sudden cardiac arrest because of a Loveland Fire Rescue Authority local amendment to the International Fire Code.
The life-saving move allows public spaces within the agency’s response area to live up to what it means to be a Heart Safe Community, said Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach, adding that the message was put into perspective when Lt. Shelby Vrem collapsed during last year’s 9/11 memorial stair climb.
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“(Vrem) was shocked within 45 seconds of going down and now is back as an active firefighter with no deficits,” Sendelbach said. “It works. It’s just a matter of having (an AED) accessible and getting the general public to react.”
An automated external defibrillator is a medical device that analyzes heart rhythm and can deliver an electric shock to victims of cardiac arrest, bringing the heart rhythm back to normal.
The probability of surviving cardiac arrest decreases by 7% to 10% for every minute the patient’s heart is irregular, meaning quick access to an AED could make the difference in someone’s life, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The device can’t misfire, which makes it easy for practically anyone to use, Sendelbach said.
As soon as the user opens the case, the device will, out loud, guide them through the process. The defibrillator itself will let the user know if the patient’s heart rhythm is irregular and will only conduct a shock if so. If no shock is advised, the device will let the user know to resume CPR.
“It’s perfectly safe to put it in public,” Sendelbach said, adding that AEDs are often seen in airports, gyms, and schools. “They’re in very similar locations to fire extinguishers and the same cabinetry.”
The amendment was made to the 2024 International Fire Code, which is the most up to date version. The code contains regulations on protecting people and property from fires and explosion hazards and is normally adopted by the agency every three years, said Battalion Chief Carie Dann.
The agency wanted to create the amendment requiring AEDs because not enough spaces have them, Sendelbach said. Colorado law only recommends that schools have one, he said, adding that he was in a conference space in LFRA’s jurisdiction earlier this year where he couldn’t find an AED.
“This is a large conference center in our community where thousands of people could be assembling, and we didn’t have an AED,” Sendelbach said. “The immediate thought was ‘We have to fix that.’”
In some parts of the agency’s response area, the amendment will go into effect immediately on Jan. 1 , while in other parts, such as the city of Loveland, it will take longer, Dann said. She added that the amendment will most likely go into effect throughout the entire jurisdiction by the beginning of February, after final reviews occur next month.
Sendelbach also hopes that residents within the agency’s jurisdiction get used to seeing AEDs around and feel empowered to use them if someone were to collapse. Thompson Valley EMS offers various classes on administering CPR and AEDs. Those interested can see what is available at TVEMS.com/education/. Colorado law also provides immunity from civil liability for people who provide emergency care using an AED.
“Public response is the first step,” Sendelbach said. “Those are truly the first responders and then we support them.”
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