TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) JUL -3 76:20 First Regular Session SENATE S. No.. Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT REQUIRING THE PLACEMENT OF AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED) IN PUBLIC SPACES AND INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON ITS ROLE IN SAVING LIVES EXPLANATORY NOTE The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that heart disease remains to be the top cause of death in the Philippines, even with the outbreak of the COVID-19. The Philippine Heart Association and Philippine College of Cardiology, during the celebration of the World Heart Day, reminded everyone to give sufficient attention to the health of our heart. One example of a life-threatening heart condition is the sudden cardiac arrest or the abrupt and unexpected failure of the heart to pump blood and oxygen to the brain and the rest of the body. However, in cases like this, survival is possible with quick and appropriate medical intervention, such as the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using a defibrillator, or even simple chest compressions, especially during the waiting period before emergency workers arrive. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) refers to a portable, life-saving device designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. In the United States where community access to AEDs is already legislated, the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) declared that "the combination of CPR and early defibrillation is effective in saving lives when used in the first few minutes following collapse from sudden cardiac arrest". Indeed, making AEDs available for use in times of sudden
cardiac arrests will increase the chances of survival of the people afflicted by this dreaded condition. Thus, this bill seeks to mandate the placement of AED units in public spaces, such as in government buildings, and in private places, such as hotels, resorts, malls, condominiums, and similar places. This bill likewise provides guidelines such as FDA approval and periodic inspection of AED units, strategic placement and number of AED units, safety and security measures against weather, theft, tampering, and unauthorized use, among others. Furthermore, a training program for emergency responders and first-aid teams shall be administered by the Department of Health (DOH) on the proper use and maintenance of these devices, including CPR. Public awareness campaigns on the installation of AED units and their importance in savings lives will also be undertaken. In view of this, early passage of this bill is sought. MANUEL SenatO" M. LAPTO Senator
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) JUL -3 : 6:20 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ---= SENATE s. Not 10 Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT REQUIRING THE PLACEMENT OF AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED) IN PUBLIC SPACES AND INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON ITS ROLE IN SAVING LIVES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "Automated External
Defibrillators (AED) in Public Spaces Act."
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to protect
8 and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among the citizenry. Towards this end, the government shall ensure that life-saving devices and equipment are readily accessible to the public and that adequate personnel are trained in their use and operation.
Section 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall
mean: a) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) refers to a portable, life-saving device designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. The AED system includes accessories, such as a battery and pad electrodes, that are necessary for the AED to detect and interpret an electrocardiogram and deliver an electrical shock;
b) Government building refers to a building or a portion of a building owned, leased, or otherwise used by the government of the Republic of the Philippines, its agencies, instrumentalities, and local government units; and c) Private places refer to privately-owned establishments, businesses and premises; Section: 4. AED Placement. - (A) All government buildings, including but not limited to offices, courts, schools, public parks, markets, airports, seaports, train stations, and other transport terminals, shall be required to place AEDs in their premises where medical supplies and/or equipment for first aid are stored, subject to the following guidelines: a) The AEDs to be provided shall be approved and periodically inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); b) The placement shall come with visible signs or labels, and shall be selected to afford accessibility and reasonable response times in case of emergencies; c) The number of AEDs per structure, building or space shall be sufficiently in proportion to the usual volume of people occupying the same; d) Safety and security measures shall be implemented to protect the AEDs from the elements, tampering, pilferage, theft, unauthorized use, or other special circumstances like electricity-related hazards, extreme temperatures, flooding, etc.; and e) Such other guidelines as the Department of Health (DOH) may subsequently impose. (B) The placement of AEDs shall likewise be required in private places with a high volume of people, either as occupants, workers or visitors thereon, such as 27 hotels, resorts, casinos, malls, condominiums, sports and entertainment venues, 28 amusement parks, factories, and similar places. The guidelines stated in subsection A 29 above shall equally apply to these private places, along with other additional requirements that the DOH may reasonably impose.
Section 5. Training. - The DOH shall establish a training program on the proper
use and maintenance of AED units, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Completion of such training program by the emergency response or first-aid teams or other appropriate personnel assigned in the covered institutions and establishments is a pre-requisite prior to the placement of the AED units.
Section 6. Awareness Campaign. - Covered institutions and establishments
shall provide information to all employees and personnel regarding AED units installed in the premises. The public shall also be made aware of these AED units and their locations through signage, posters, brochures, floor plans, and various media. The DOH shall likewise implement a public education and awareness campaign through various communication channels on the importance of AEDs in saving lives.
Section 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations for the year following 14 its enactment into law and thereafter.
Section 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the DOH and FDA, in coordination with other relevant government agencies, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.
Section 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
proclamations, rules and regulations, or any part thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act, or the
application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby.
Section 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,