Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. announced that he introduced legislation that would require health clubs with 500 or more members to have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) readily available on site. These clubs would also be required to have at least one staff member trained to use the AED and perform CPR. The legislation is currently being considered by the New York State Senate.

"When a person goes into cardiac arrest, a few seconds can mean the difference in avoiding tragedy," stated Fuschillo. "Having defibrillators on site will enhance the safety of the thousands of health club patrons across the state, and ensure that no one's health will be at risk because the necessary medical equipment was not immediately available."

Defibrillators are electrical devices used to counteract fibrillation of the heart muscle and restore normal heartbeat by applying a brief electric shock. Using defibrillators can significantly increase the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest.

"The American Heart Association is committed to ensuring that AEDs become standard equipment in health clubs in New York State," said Paul Hartman, director of advocacy for the American Heart Association. "People who may be at the highest risk for suffering sudden cardiac arrest during exercise are increasingly more likely to be working out at the local health club. Over the last 15 years, men and women over the age of 55, and overweight individuals are joining health clubs at increasing rates. With these trends in mind, it is more important than ever to ensure these facilities are equipped to respond and provide resuscitation in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest."

According to the American Heart Association, a victim's chance of survival decreases by 7 - 10 percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation. The American Heart Association estimates that 250,000 Americans die each year from sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital, and that a quarter of these deaths could have been prevented if a defibrillator was available for immediate use.

Senator Fuschillo, chairman of the Consumer Protection Committee, announced the recent passage of legislation he sponsored that will strengthen the protection of children from dangerous clothing. The legislation, which also passed the New York State Assembly, clarifies and strengthens a 2002 law which sought to protect children from drawstrings on clothing.

"This will enable parents to know that the clothes they buy for their children are safe," stated Fuschillo. "Most parents in New York State work hard to protect their children from danger and this legislation will assist them in those protections."

Based on the voluntary guidelines of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, the proposal amends one of the laws that governs the sale of children's clothing. One of the provisions that is clarified is the prohibition of a hood drawstring or a neck opening drawstring in any children's clothing up to size 12. This section seeks to protect children from the danger of strangulation.

Additionally, according to the legislation, drawstrings on the waist of clothing or the bottom of a shirt or sweatshirt shall not extend over three inches out of the garment for children's clothing from size 2T to size 16. These drawstrings must also be attached to the clothing at the midpoint of the string so they cannot be extended on one side. By reducing the length of these drawstrings, the danger of a child being snagged on a vehicle, such as a school bus, playground equipment or crib is reduced.

The New York State Association for Pupil Transportation, in a letter of support, cited a 1995 accident where a young child was dragged from a school bus when her drawstring was accidentally caught. The association also cited the new provision as clearly defining the laws that regulate this area and protecting the children of the state.

The idea was also supported by the Retail Council of New York State because it clarifies the 2002 law and allows a better understanding of the rules that govern children's clothing for retailers and consumers.