Health Committee Regulates the Use of External Defibrillators

Nearly a year after its introduction to the National Assembly, members of the Health Committee approved the second reading of the bill to amend the Health Act, which regulates the provision of first aid using automated external defibrillators.

The adopted provisions clarify that in emergency situations, first aid is generally provided by medical professionals; however, the law explicitly allows it to be performed by individuals without medical education.

Initially, the draft stated that the use of automated defibrillators by non-medical personnel was permissible only after completing training, which was to be regulated by an ordinance from the Ministry of Health.

During the discussions, however, the texts were amended following a statement by cardiologist Prof. Ivo Petrov. He emphasized that such a requirement defeats the primary purpose of automated defibrillators, which are specifically designed for use by untrained individuals, including children. As an example, Prof. Petrov pointed to Malta, where approximately half of the children use such devices after being trained by teachers who are also not doctors.

The final version of the law stipulates that first aid can be provided by any citizen, regardless of whether they have medical education or specialized training. At the same time, a liability waiver is introduced for individuals providing assistance if a positive outcome is not achieved despite their actions.