Overview

This bill mandates the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in various public places across the UK to improve emergency response to cardiac arrest. It also includes provisions for training and public awareness campaigns related to AED usage.

Description

The bill requires owners of specified public buildings and facilities to install and maintain AEDs. These include local government offices, town halls, libraries, sporting facilities, educational institutions, prisons, retirement villages, caravan parks, gambling venues, theatres, and other buildings with public access. The specific types of buildings are defined and may be further specified by regulations. The number of AEDs required depends on the building's size (at least one per 1200 square meters of internal floor area). Exceptions are made for smaller buildings (under 600 square meters) and those with few commercial units. The Secretary of State will create a strategy for training and raising public awareness of AED use, including potential training schemes and certification of instructors. Regulations may be put in place to enforce compliance and possibly impose civil sanctions for non-compliance.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by ministers, government officials, or departments in implementing the Act, along with any increase in sums payable under other Acts due to this Act, will be paid out of money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Owners of qualifying buildings and facilities: They will be responsible for purchasing, installing, maintaining, and ensuring public access to AEDs, potentially incurring costs.
• The Public: They will benefit from increased accessibility to life-saving AEDs in case of cardiac arrest.
• Training providers: They may see increased demand for AED training courses.
• Local authorities: They will likely play a significant role in enforcing the regulations.
• Schools and educational institutions: They will need to comply with the AED installation requirements, though consideration is given to mitigating financial burdens on small schools in rural areas.

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