Return to Table of Contents

Should Your Church Purchase A Defibrillator?

By Richard R. Hammar

The time has come for church leaders to consider the purchase of a defibrillator. A defibrillator is a small electronic device that uses electric shocks to stop an abnormal heart rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation, and restore a normal rhythm. Ventricular fibrillation is by far the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest. Without defibrillation, persons suffering from ventricular fibrillation will die within a few minutes, often before paramedics arrive. Here are some key points you should consider in deciding whether or not to obtain a defibrillator for your church:

• Over 300,000 Americans die each year from cardiac arrest. Every 2 minutes, an individual goes into cardiac arrest in the United States.

• The chance of successfully returning to a normal heart rhythm diminishes by 10 percent each minute following sudden cardiac arrest. After 12 minutes, the chance of survival is 2–5 percent.

• While calling 911 is essential in all cases of sudden cardiac arrest, it alone may not be an adequate response. The average response time for paramedics is 12 minutes. Remember, the chance of successfully returning to a normal heart rhythm diminishes by approximately 10 percent each minute following sudden cardiac arrest. After 12 minutes, the chance of survival is 2–5 percent.

• The vast majority of cases of cardiac arrest are caused by ventricular fibrillation, for which electric defibrillation is the only remedy. CPR is not in itself sufficient to restore a normal heart rhythm in a victim of ventricular fibrillation.

• About one-fourth of all cases of cardiac arrest occur in public places, such as airports, stadiums, theatres, and churches.

• The U.S. population is aging. In many church congregations, persons over 60 years of age represent the largest constituency.

• Defibrillators have been shown to be safe and effective, even when used by laypeople, since the devices are designed to not administer a shock until after having analyzed a victim’s heart rhythm and determining that an electric shock is required.

• Defibrillator training courses are provided by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, local emergency medical services groups, and other public health and safety institutions.

• The price and weight of defibrillators continue to drop. Today, units are available for under 5 pounds and cost from $2,000 to $3,000. Modern units are also easy to operate. Many have voice commands to guide users.

• Every state has enacted a law that provides limited immunity from liability for the use of a defibrillator. Most of these laws protect persons who have received training in the use of defibrillators, even if they have no formal medical training.

• Some courts have found organizations liable for the death of a patron or customer because they did not have a defibrillator. The American Heart Association has noted that "as awareness of the new generation of defibrillators grows, companies and organizations may face greater threat of liability if they aren’t properly prepared to respond in a timely manner to a cardiac emergency."

Richard R. Hammar, J.D., LL.M., CPA, is an attorney and CPA. He serves as legal counsel for The General Council of the Assemblies of God. This article is excerpted from a special report addressing the use of defibrillators in churches. Copyright 2003. Church Law & Tax Report. Used with permission. This report is available from Christian Ministry Resources by calling 1-800-222-1840.