Law requiring public cardiac defibrillators to be enacted

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Although the law required the installation of cardiac defibrillators in all public places more than a year ago, the implementation of that legislation has been delayed. Now the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor says it is acting to set down regulations for installing the machines, and will use the professional help of Magen David Adom to ensure that they are carried out.
Ministry legal adviser Michael Atlan said action will be taken toensure that the devices are accessible to the public with clear,uniform signs at all defibrillator stations.
The devices, whichare commonplace and have saved many lives in many Western countries,use an electric shock to restart the hearts of victims of cardiacarrest. They can be used even by an untrained civilian. Atlan appearedTuesday before the Knesset Labor, Social Affairs and Health Committee,which discussed the delays in implementation of the law.
Chiefministry labor inspector Yoram Elazari said that resuscitation does notfall under the expertise of the ministry, thus it asked MDA – whichresuscitated people every day – to help. In addition, the HealthMinistry has responsibility for professional medical aspects andlicensing of equipment.