State law on youth sports programs having AEDs goes into effect today

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – A new state law requiring an AED or automated external defibrillator at all camps and youth sports programs has gone into effect as of today.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill into law in November of 2023. Camps and youth sports programs with five or more teams participating are required to establish an AED implementation plan. These plans will detail how the devices to be made accessible at every camp, game or practice. The bill was sponsored by Westchester State Senator Shelley Mayer.

The camps and programs also must ensure that at least one employee, volunteer, coach, umpire or other qualified adult who has successfully completed a training course in the operation of an AED is around. 

The legislation was championed by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed on the field in an NFL game on January 2, 2023 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin credits first responders having an AED as one of the reasons he was revived.

Growing up, in all the years that I played football, I don’t remember thinking about where an AED was located or who was trained to use one. I think that many people have had the same experience. My journey has shown us that no one expects cardiac arrest to happen – and we all need to be prepared. By requiring that at least one person is trained to properly use an AED at every sports event, camp and practice, this new law will help protect tens of thousands of kids in New York State – and is a really important step in saving lives.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin