Hilton youth sports park ahead of game as state law regarding AEDs goes into effect

HILTON, N.Y. (WROC) — Legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in November took effect this week.

Camps and youth sports programs in New York State are now required to establish an automated external defibrillator or AED implementation plan.

Grace and Truth Sports Park in Hilton operates on 96 acres of land. That’s why Park Director Tom Street told News 8 it was essential to already have an AED on hand.

“Why not? It’s such a small investment. But if it saves someone’s life, it’s totally worth it,” Street said.

And with recent events, it made the decision a no brainer.

“We all saw Damar Hamlin, we all witnessed that. I actually had a friend who was at the School [No. 33] game when the kid collapsed on the court,” Street said.

That is also what pushed the legislation forward. Camps and youth sports programs are now required to establish AED implementation plans and have at least one person trained to properly use the AED at camps, games, and practice.

Street emphasizing it’s a small step that can make a big difference.

“If you don’t have it, and something terrible happened and someone is in cardiac arrest, it could be the difference between saving their life or that person losing their life,” Street said.

Adding, it’s brought some unexpected business along.

“We’ve actually had a few teams more interested in coming here, because they’ve been at a place that doesn’t have them on sight,” Street said. “So, we’re also gaining some popularity because we do have one on sight, ready to go incase God forbid something horrible happened”

For more information on the law, click here .

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