City Hall and other large city-owned buildings would get simple, easy-to-use defibrillators under a proposal introduced Wednesday that could be the first step toward requiring the devices in Chicago sports stadiums and residential and office high-rises.
The measure, designed to provide on-the-spot help for people who suffer cardiac arrest, would apply to structures open to the public that have occupancy rates of at least 200 people.
There have been “a number of documented saves” at O’Hare International and Midway Airport, where defibrillators have been on hand for about a year, and “there are people alive and well today who are with their families who would not have been alive were it not for the fact defibrillators were available,” said Ald. Edward Burke (14th), a co-sponsor of the new proposal.
A similar measure introduced in 1998 by Burke and another alderman that would have required the devices in all large public buildings failed after questions were raised at the time about their safety.
But Burke asserted Wednesday there is new proof that even untrained people who follow voice commands issued by the machines can operate them safely.
“I hope that those reluctant city officials who killed this plan now would realize its time has come and there is no argument against [defibrillators] anymore,” he said.
Successful use at city buildings could lead to a measure to require the devices at large, privately owned properties, Burke said.
In other action Wednesday, Mayor Richard Daley introduced a resolution that would allow the city to negotiate with 21st Century Cable/RCN to offer cable TV service in three city zones that now have only one authorized provider. Cable areas 2, 3 and 4 cover large parts of the Northwest, West and South Sides.
New competition in those zones could lead to improved service and lower rates, said Joyce Gallagher, the city’s cable administrator.
Also on Wednesday, Ald. Arenda Troutman (20th) introduced an ordinance that temporarily would reduce the city’s 5-cent-a-gallon tax on gasoline to a penny.
