Every Kentucky school would be required to have an automatic external defibrillator under proposed legislation easily passed in the Kentucky House Friday. The bill would also require that at least three people in each school be trained to use the device.
Logan Batson testified in support of the bill last week in committee was Logan Batson. His 18-year-old brother died in 2010 during a pick up soccer game in northern Kentucky.
“Since then I’ve been diagnosed with the same almost undetectable heart disease that they found in Cameron and I now have a defibrillator in my chest. Because of Cameron’s death, doctors are able to do what they can for my safety, but what about other students that might not know that they have a heart issue,” Baston said.
The bill passed in the House by a 92 to 2 vote. A few members expressed concerns that the estimated $1,100 cost for a portable defibrillator amounts to an unfunded mandate for schools.
Laura Batson also testified about the death of her son. She said the AED is essential equipment.
“When the coaches are pulling out their equipment, soccer balls, baseballs, baseball bats. They need an AED as well. You need an AED right there on that field,” she said.
The bill must now be voted on in the Senate.