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For Immediate Release
May 22, 2012
Contact: Sally Kohr
(717) 787-4651

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Alloway Supports Legislation Protecting Good Samaritans

HARRISBURG – The Senate unanimously passed legislation Monday that would protect bystanders who take action to help heart attack and stroke victims, according to Senator Richard Alloway II (R-33).

Senate Bill 351 would expand the state's Good Samaritan law to cover bystanders who use CPR or an automated external defibrillator (AED) to aid victims during an emergency. The bill also protects individuals who provide emergency first aid to victims of crimes or accidents.

Under current law, an individual must be certified in CPR or the use of AEDs to render aid.

"Current law discourages many Good Samaritans from taking action for fear of severe financial consequences," said Alloway, who cosponsored the measure. "This measure ensures individuals who act in good faith to try to save a life are not penalized for their good deed."

Senate Bill 351 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.