Norfolk County Register of Deeds William O’Donnell stated that he was delighted with the swift action taken by the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government to favorably discharge legislation (H.1789) that would place Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) in Norfolk County governmental buildings.
The Register stated, “An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can potentially stop an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) and allows for a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest.”
Register O’Donnell, along with bill’s lead sponsor State Representative Denise Garlick (D-Needham) and co-sponsor State Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough) recently spent time testifying before the committee about the importance of this legislation. The Register stated, “The American Red Cross estimates that there are 350,000 people across the country who will suffer cardiac arrest this year. They also estimate that 50,000 lives could be saved with improved training and access to an AED.”
O’Donnell went on to note, “The legislation requires that an AED be installed in each of the 10 Norfolk County governmental facilities. Furthermore, the legislation requires that at least one employee or volunteer be trained in its use and be on the building’s grounds during business hours.”
Since 2010, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, at its own initiative and expense, has installed an AED on each of the 3 floors of the Registry of Deeds building, maintained the equipment and trained its employees to use the AED equipment. “We believe the small cost required to purchase an AED and train employees is well spent when you consider the potential lives that could be saved,” stated O’Donnell.
Register O’Donnell concluded by stating, “I want to first thank lead sponsor Rep. Garlick and the other co-sponsors of the legislation for their support and advocacy. I also want to thank the co-chairpersons of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government, Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham) and Rep. James O’Day (D-West Boylston) for scheduling an early hearing on the legislation and for their actions to quickly and favorably report out the bill. Their prompt action is greatly appreciated by the supporters of the legislation.”
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. “I am hopeful,” noted O’Donnell, “that this bill will have a successful journey through the legislative process. We appreciate the strong support of this bill from our Norfolk County delegation.”
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The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
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