Maryland’s grocery stores and restaurants are on the brink of a significant safety transformation. With the recent passage of Senate Bill 299, known as the Joe Sheya Act, these businesses are mandated to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) available by January 1, 2025. This new requirement is not just about legal compliance; it’s about empowering employees to save lives in critical situations.
The Importance of AEDs: Every Second Counts
Sudden cardiac arrest is unpredictable and can strike anyone at any time, making it a leading cause of death. Immediate intervention is crucial. An AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Studies have shown that immediate access to an AED, combined with CPR, can dramatically increase survival rates, doubling or even tripling a victim’s chances of survival.
Bayside CPR & AED Training Center: Your Partner in Preparedness
At Bayside CPR & AED Training Center, we are deeply invested in successfully implementing this new legislation. We recognize the challenges businesses may face with these changes, and we are here to help. Our center offers a range of AED options to meet compliance needs and provides comprehensive staff training to ensure confidence and readiness in emergencies.
Limited-Time Offer: Free CPR & AED Awareness Training
To further support Maryland businesses in this transition, we offer free CPR & AED Awareness Training for any restaurant or grocery store staff who purchases an AED from us. This initiative is designed to boost emergency preparedness and ensure that staff are equipped and confident in their ability to respond during a cardiac emergency.
The Joe Sheya Act: Key Deadlines and Requirements
The landscape of safety in Maryland’s grocery stores and restaurants is set to change profoundly with the implementation of Senate Bill 299, known as the Joe Sheya Act. Certain businesses will be mandated by January 1, 2025 to have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) readily available. This regulation is not only about compliance but also about equipping businesses to save lives effectively in sudden cardiac emergencies.
Expertise and Advocacy at Bayside CPR & AED Training Center
Kyle Hastings, a fire lieutenant, paramedic, and Bayside CPR & AED Training Center owner, brings invaluable real-world experience to the forefront of lifesaving training. His firefighter/paramedic-owned company is dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses with the necessary skills and equipment to respond efficiently during cardiac emergencies. Kyle is a staunch advocate for the new Maryland law, believing it will significantly enhance survival rates from sudden cardiac arrests.
“Studies show that the chances of surviving a cardiac arrest decrease by 10% for every minute without defibrillation,” Kyle notes. “Having an AED on-site, coupled with proper training, can dramatically increase the odds of survival.”
Understanding the Joe Sheya Act: Compliance Details
- Who’s Affected: Restaurants with annual gross incomes exceeding $1,000,000 and grocery stores with annual gross incomes exceeding $10,000,000 must comply.
- Deadline: AEDs must be installed and functional by January 1, 2025.
- Placement: AEDs must be positioned in a prominent, easily accessible area within the business premises.
- Maintenance: Businesses must maintain their AEDs in good working order to ensure readiness in case of an emergency.
Bayside CPR & AED Training Center is not just about training; they also offer comprehensive AED sales and service, ensuring businesses can access reliable, life-saving devices. With the impending new law, Kyle and his team diligently work to ensure that all affected businesses are well-prepared. They offer extensive training programs and AED solutions to help create safer environments for employees and patrons.
“We’re not just complying with a law; we’re saving lives,” says Kyle. “Every AED placed and every person trained represents a potential life saved. That’s what drives us.”
Take Action Today: Get Ready with Bayside
As the deadline approaches, affected businesses must take proactive steps to comply with the Joe Sheya Act. Contact Bayside CPR & AED Training Center for a free AED needs assessment and discover how they can help you meet the legal requirements and enhance safety at your establishment.
Email us at AEDSales@baysidecpr.com or call 443-775-3866 to get started on your journey towards compliance and safety. Remember, being prepared isn’t just about compliance; it’s about making a critical difference when it matters most.
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