Overview

This bill mandates the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in various public places across the UK to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest. It also requires training programs and public awareness campaigns regarding AED use.

Description

This bill requires owners of designated public buildings and facilities to install and maintain AEDs, with the number of devices dependent on the building's size (at least one AED per 1200 square meters of internal floor space). Qualifying buildings include local government offices, town halls, libraries, sporting facilities, educational institutions, prisons, retirement villages, caravan parks, gambling venues, theatres, and other publicly accessible buildings or facilities as defined by the Secretary of State. Exceptions exist for smaller buildings and certain residential properties. The Secretary of State will set regulations regarding civil penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of a national strategy for training and raising public awareness about AED use, including a potential training scheme and instructor certification.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by a Minister of the Crown, a person holding office under Her Majesty, or a government department, as well as any increase in sums payable under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be paid out of money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

Groups affected include:

• Owners of qualifying public buildings and facilities: They will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and ensuring public access to AEDs, facing potential penalties for non-compliance.
• The Public: Will benefit from increased access to life-saving AEDs in case of sudden cardiac arrest.
• Training organizations: May be involved in delivering training programs as part of the government's strategy.
• Government departments: Will be responsible for implementing the bill's provisions, including creating the training and awareness strategy and potentially enforcing regulations.

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