2A:62A-30 Findings, declarations relative to use of defibrillators in health clubs.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. According to the American Heart Association, when a person suffers sudden cardiac arrest, the person's chance of survival decreases by 7% to 10% for each minute that passes without defibrillation; and with defibrillation given in the first minute after cardiac arrest, the survival rate can be as high as 90%;

b. The greatest risk for cardiac arrest is among men over 45 and women over 55 years of age, as well as among persons who smoke, are overweight or have diabetes;

c. Studies have shown that while exercise helps the heart in the long run, the risk of physical activity is not zero and the risk for cardiac arrest may increase during the time that the person is engaging in moderate or vigorous exercise, particularly for those who are sporadic exercisers or have underlying cardiovascular disease;

d. The number of Americans who exercise regularly at health clubs has increased steadily in recent years, as has the age of persons who exercise at these clubs; as many as 30 million people now visit health and exercise centers in this country, and it is estimated that about 55% percent of these people are over age 35;

e. As the age of persons who use health clubs increases, it is reasonable to assume that the number of members with cardiovascular disease is rising as well;

f. In recognition of the increasing risk of cardiac arrest at health clubs and the effectiveness of readily accessible automated external defibrillators in saving lives, it is, therefore, in the best interest of the residents of this State to require health clubs to maintain defibrillators on their premises.

L.2005,c.346,s.1.