MOTION -- More than 356,000 Americans experience cardiac arrests outside of a hospital every year, and less than 10 percent survive. However, based on the advancements of medical technology, it is estimated that up to 30 percent of cardiac arrest victims could survive if they had access to an immediate medical response. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation are proven methods that dramatically increase chances of survival.
Over 20 years ago, Congress passed the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, which placed automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in many federal buildings. California law requires AEDs in public schools that have athletic programs, and in a number of assembly, business, and residential buildings. Health studios such as gyms are required to go a step further by offering AEDs and personnel to use them.
Public parks are one of the most common locations of cardiac arrests, yet there are no requirements that AEDs be made available in those spaces. At public parks, people face an elevated risk for heat exhaustion, excess physical exertion, and heat stroke, all of which contribute to the risk of cardiac arrest. The City of Los Angeles can lead the charge in saving lives by making AEDs available at all of its parks and recreational facilities.
I THEREFORE MOVE that the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP), with assistance from the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Chief Legislative Analyst, report back to Council on the total number and location of AEDs at RAP facilities, the record of utilization of AEDs at RAP facilities, and a plan for implementing AEDs at every RAP facility in the City of Los Angeles.
I FURTHER MOVE that the Department of Recreation and Parks, with assistance from the Chief Legislative Analyst and the City Administrative Officer, report on the initial costs of providing AEDs at every RAP facility, life-cycle costs, maintenance costs, infrastructure costs and any additional information that may be necessary for Council to consider to evaluate and appropriate the funds necessary to implement this plan.