DATE:
May 6, 2025
16
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECTTitle
EXPANDING ACCESS TO AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AEDs) FOR PRIVATE SPORTS FACILITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
Today's action seeks to expand access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for private sports facilities, youth sports teams and similar organizations within the San Diego region. The goal is to enhance public safety and emergency preparedness where athletes and community members engage in sports or other physical activities. Given the physical nature of sports and the potential risks involved, it is essential that sports facilities and other locations where athletic activities take place are equipped this life-saving equipment. However, unfortunately many private sports facilities and organizations lack these critical devices due to financial constraints. What's more, California State Assembly Bill 1467 (AB 1467) - a.k.a. the "Nevaeh Youth Sports Safety Act" - will require youth sports organizations that offer an athletic program to have access to an AED during any official practice or match, beginning January 1, 2027. While this legislation is noble, youth sports teams often rely on donations and fundraising to make large purchases. This could make complying with the bill challenging for many youth sports teams.
The County of San Diego (County) should take steps to expand access to AEDs for sports facilities and youth sports organizations throughout our region. Pursuing efforts to get AEDs into more sports facilities would result in a significantly safer environment for athletes, sports teams personnel, and spectators alike. AEDs not only enhance emergency preparedness, but their presence also demonstrates a commitment to health and safety that can have psychologically beneficial impacts on the community. It's in this spirit that today's item directs the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to explore opportunities to provide AEDs to private spor...
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