Department of Health Implements Resuscitation Equipment Law

The State Health Department has begun implementation of the law requiring restaurants, bars, and other public places to make CPR masks and gloves available to protect rescuers. You’re required to have 2 FDA-approved adult exhaled air resuscitation masks, 2 FDA-approved child exhaled air resuscitation masks, and 4 pairs of disposable gloves placed in an accessible area so that it can be brought to the victim within 3 minutes of the start of the incident. FDA-approved face shields with one-way air valves are acceptable equivalents to exhaled air resuscitation masks. A notice must be posted informing patrons that the resuscitation equipment is available, where it’s kept, and how to receive CPR training.

The law does not obligate you or your employees to administer CPR and provides immunity from liability for a “Good Samaritan” who voluntarily and without monetary compensation gives emergency assistance to a person who is unconscious, ill or injured. The masks cost about $12 each and face shields cost about $5 each according to the Health Department. This equipment is available from emergency medical equipment suppliers and some pharmacies. You may also contact the American Red Cross for information on purchasing this equipment and CPR training.