Bipartisan Initiative Seeks to Enhance Access to AEDs in Transportation Hubs across the U.S.

Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Increase AED Access in Transportation

A significant bipartisan initiative has been put forward with the aim of expanding access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in various transportation facilities across the United States. Named H.R.5897, the Public Access to Defibrillation in Transportation Facilities Act of 2025 seeks to tackle the critical issue of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) that affects thousands of individuals annually in public spaces.

Purpose of the Legislation

Defibtech, a prominent manufacturer of AEDs, has expressed strong support for this legislation, which is co-led by Representatives Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Laura Gillen (D-NY). The bill intends to instruct the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Health and Human Services to form guidelines that will facilitate the placement of AEDs in key transportation hubs, including airports, train and bus terminals, ferry facilities, and highway rest stops. Furthermore, it hopes to enhance state eligibility for the Surface Transportation Block Grant, enabling states to fund the deployment of AEDs more effectively.

Every moment counts in a cardiac emergency. With proper access to AEDs, survival rates can significantly improve. As shared by Representative Van Drew, “This legislation ensures that life-saving AEDs are available and accessible in the places where Americans travel every day.” The urgency of having these devices readily available cannot be overstated, especially considering the statistics from the American Heart Association, which report over 356,000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually in the U.S.

The Impact of AED Accessibility

The advantages of expanding AED access are backed by documented evidence. Studies suggest that the chance of survival decreases by 7-10% for every minute a person remains without defibrillation. However, rapid use of an AED can double or even triple survival rates. Yet, access to these crucial devices remains inconsistent across various public transportation facilities. This legislation aims to create a uniform set of federal recommendations to guide states and facility operators in implementing effective AED access strategies.

Defibtech’s President and CEO, AJ Pace, has commended the bipartisan nature of this legislation, stating, “Increasing AED access in transportation settings will save countless lives and empower more bystanders to respond in an emergency.” The initiative is not just a legislative step but a broader movement in public health advocacy, ensuring the public is equipped with the toolsthey need in moments of crisis.

Community Support and Awareness

The John Taylor Babbitt Foundation has also expressed immense gratitude toward Representative Van Drew for introducing this pivotal legislation. As explained by the foundation’s representatives, having AEDs in transportation facilities will not only save lives but will promote awareness around the frequency of sudden cardiac arrest in communities. “Having the ability to respond immediately with an AED will increase a person’s chance of survival by 70%,” they emphasize.

Moreover, the American College of Cardiology has expressed their support for the bill, reiterating that facilitating access to AEDs in busy public areas will enhance emergency response to sudden cardiac arrests, a leading cause of morbidity in the United States. Their endorsement underscores the bill's evidence-based approach to improving public health safety and emergency readiness.

Conclusion

This bipartisan effort shines a spotlight on the critical need for accessible life-saving devices in places where people gather, travel, and transit. If passed, H.R.5897 will not only serve as a framework for potential future legislation regarding health emergencies in public spaces but also stands as a testament to the power of collaboration across party lines. Defibtech continues to lead in creating innovative and reliable AED devices, reinforcing their commitment to saving lives. For those interested in learning more about Defibtech’s mission and their product offerings, visit their official website at www.defibtech.com.