Defibrillators a must in Schaumburg-owned buildings

Longtime believers in the effectiveness of defibrillators in saving lives, Schaumburg trustees Tuesday took the extra step of requiring them in the village-owned buildings where they mostly already are.

Village Manager Ken Fritz said a requirement law just insures against any future miscommunication of intent, particularly in such village-owned buildings as Alexian Field and the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center which aren't staffed by village personnel. Most village-owned buildings in Schaumburg have had automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs, for about five years already, Fritz said.

Schaumburg Fire Chief David Schumann said the convention center doesn't yet have an AED, but his department will begin working with the facility immediately to get one installed.

"I think placing AEDs in public places is becoming common practice," Schumann said. "They're becoming as common as fire hydrants."

Though the village hasn't had occasion to use any of its defibrillators yet, one kept by the Schaumburg Park District at its Spring Valley Nature Center did successfully resuscitate a man about a year ago, Schumann said.

"It's certainly desirable for buildings with public access," he added. "The success stories you just continue to hear about."

David Schultz, commander of the Arlington Heights Fire Department's Emergency Medical Services Division, said the installation of AEDs has long been strongly encouraged, but he didn't know of it being common to require them.

Schultz said the installation of AEDs and a knowledge of CPR are both things paramedics encourage among the general public, despite good emergency response times in the Northwest suburbs.

Schumann said there was a state law requiring AEDs at fitness facilities, but he believed that requirement was eventually lowered to strong encouragement.

The high-end AEDs Schaumburg uses cost between $900 and $1,100 and are virtually impossible for anyone to misuse, Schumann said. In any case, Illinois' Good Samaritan Act protects from liability anyone using one to resuscitate a person, he added.