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Status of Ordinance on Automated External Defibrillators
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BACKGROUND
Nationwide, around 450,000 people are victims of a massive heart attack every year. Fifty percent of those suffering from sudden cardiac arrest die as a result. The good news is that automated external defibrillators (AED’s) properly installed and maintained on the premise increase the survivability rates.
The City Commission recently approved Ordinance Number 2007-21 that mandates that the life-saving defibrillators be available for use on places of public assembly, office buildings in excess of 20,000 square feet, gymnasiums, fitness centers and indoor recreational centers in excess of 1,500 square feet, restaurants with 100 or more seats, commercial and retail spaces in excess of 35,000 square feet, and all hotels and motels within the City. Building owners are responsible for the installation and operation of defibrillators which cost around $1,000; an investment that can save lives.
STATUS
There are an estimated 250 buildings located in the City of Coral Gables that are required to install an AED accessible to the public. Since the adoption of the ordinance, approximately 110 AED’s have been installed in the City. In addition, the City of Coral Gables has installed 15 AED’s in city-owned buildings.
AED compliance inspections are scheduled yearly during the required life safety inspections for each building within the City. We are currently working with business owners to gain compliance. Additionally, an awareness program has been implemented city-wide to educate those businesses still not in compliance with the ordinance. The City has advertised using the Coral Gables television and E-News to inform the business owners of their responsibility to comply.
After a reasonable time, required buildings still not in compliance with the AED ordinance will be referred to the City’s Code Compliance Office, which may issue a citation for the violation. As of this date, no violations hav...
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