News From 20th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

** PRESS RELEASE **

                                                           FOR RELEASE:     February 16, 2012                                           IMMEDIATE CONTACT:     Dave Jenkins, 201-230-8545

                                                                                  

LESNIAK, CRYAN AND QUIJANO PROTECT GOOD SAMARITANS

Bill S852/A832 has now passed both Houses of the New Jersey Legislature

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano to increase access, availability, and the use of automated external defibrillators by Good Samaritans in emergency situations, has now passed both the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly, and awaits approval by Governor Chris Christie.  The State Senate passed the measure by a vote of 37-1 on Monday, and today the General Assembly followed suit with a unanimous vote of 75-0. 

The bill (S-852/A832) will provide immunity from civil liability to certain individuals who acquire or use an automated external defibrillator in emergency situations.

The legislation was inspired by the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation and JTB Heart Club at the Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth, NJ.  John Taylor Babbitt was 16 when he passed away suddenly of cardiac arrest from an undiagnosed heart condition while playing basketball in his Youth Ministry League.  He was a junior at the Pingry School in Lawrenceville, NJ, and an active, healthy teenager.  At the time of the incident, an automated external defibrillator was within 50 feet from where John collapsed, but was hidden from view.

As a result of student interest and first-hand knowledge of similar tragedies, the JTB Heart Club at the Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth was founded in order to help prevent sudden cardiac death.  They have worked closely with the John Taylor Babbitt Heart Foundation, and conducted research regarding the American Heart Association’s efforts to improve the safety of our young and aging population. 

Throughout the legislative process, Lesniak, Cryan, and Quijano were led by the powerful testimony of David and JoAnne Babbitt, as well as students Andrea Mendoza and Ariana Taveras, President and Vice President of the JTB Heart Club at the Benedictine Academy.

Lesniak, Cryan, and Quijano took a moment to acknowledge the significance of the moment;

“Today is a victory for all of us. This legislation will bring New Jersey’s Good Samaritan law in line with the modern age in which we live.  Automated External Defibrillators are extremely easy to operate, and should be readily available for Good Samaritans to use in life-threatening situations, without hesitation.  This measure will also increase the availability and public awareness of the effectiveness of these devices.  We owe organizations such as the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation and JTB Heart Club a debt of gratitude for their leadership on this issue. Their hard work may be saving the life of someone you love.”

Benedictine Academy gives thanks to God, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary, and the John Taylor Babbitt Foundation for allowing us to be part of such a momentous event.