Carpino Supports AEDs in Senior Living Settings

HARTFORD- With her proposal to require nursing homes and assisted living facilities be equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator, State Rep. Christie Carpino (32) is looking at a potential life-saving measure for Connecticut’s elderly population.

The bill SB-1190, An Act Requiring Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities To Be Equipped With An Automated External Defibrillator, received a public hearing on February 3rd in the Public Health Committee. Rep. Carpino sits on the committee and will to advocate for its passage this legislative session.

“AEDs save lives. It’s really that simple. In Connecticut, we are fortunate to have outstanding first responders and high-quality health care providers. But in truth, they can’t be everywhere, all of the time. Minutes matter when an individual suffers a cardiac emergency and an AED can make the difference between saving a life and having to tell someone they’ve lost a loved one,” said Rep. Carpino. “All senior living communities should be required to have at least one AED on their campus. Ideally, it should be in a well-marked location available to residents, staff, and guests to facilitate quick and easy access.”

Carpino added, “An AED on campus is a simple addition that will make a critical difference for a patient should they suffer a medical emergency.”

Multiple organizations submitted testimony in support of this bill, including multiple residents of Cromwell. In addition, a group of bipartisan legislators have signed on as cosponsors.

Carpino vowed to help advocate for the AED bill through the Public Health Committee and through the House of Representatives before the session adjourns on June 4.