Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow (D-Merrick), the ranking member of the Public Safety Committee and a longtime Little League coach, introduced legislation on July 7 that would require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at every county-owned athletic field and court.
Named “Robbie’s Law,” the bill honors Robbie Levine, a 9-year-old boy who died in 2005 after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during Little League practice on a field without an AED. Koslow was joined by Robbie’s mother, Jill Levine, at a press conference held at Field 6 in Eisenhower Park, where he announced the bill and called on the Legislature to act swiftly.
“I’ve stood right here, watching kids run these bases, laughing, living. The thought that one fall, one moment without an AED, could mean tragedy, that’s unacceptable, said Koslow, the Legislature’s ranking member of the Public Safety Committee and a longtime Little League coach. “Today, we act to make sure no parent, no teammate, ever has to live with that haunting what-if, by introducing ‘Robbie’s Law.’”
Robbie’s Law would require AEDs to be installed at all county-owned and operated athletic fields and courts. It would also mandate training for coaches, referees, and relevant county personnel to ensure proper use and emergency preparedness. According to the American Heart Association, every minute without defibrillation after sudden cardiac arrest decreases the chance of survival by 10 percent.
Levine, who has spent the past two decades turning grief into advocacy, said the legislation reflects what she has long fought for.
“Robbie didn’t get a second chance,” Levine said. “This bill makes sure another child will. I’m grateful to Legislator Koslow for stepping up and taking this seriously.”
Fellow Democratic lawmakers joined Koslow in supporting the legislation and demanding bipartisan action.
“Robbie’s Law turns years of talk into immediate, meaningful action,” added Legislator Debra Mulé (D-Freeport), “If we can’t come together to protect kids playing sports in our parks, what can we come together for?”
“There are approximately 200 fields and courts across Nassau County baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, pickleball, even cricket,” Koslow said. “A basic AED kit costs just $500.
“Let’s be the county that stops talking about safety, and actually delivers it,” said Legislative Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove). “One life saved will be worth it all. But we shouldn’t wait until a life is lost to do what’s right.”
Koslow formally submitted the legislation for consideration and requested that it be taken up by the Legislature’s Rules Committee before the end of the summer athletic season.
“This isn’t about red or blue,” Koslow said. “It’s about being prepared. Because you shouldn’t need a tragedy to justify saving a life.”
More than 350,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospitals every year in the U.S. Survival rates plummet if defibrillation isn’t administered within the first few minutes.
“As a volunteer firefighter and first responder, I’ve seen firsthand the life-or-death difference a few seconds can make.” Said Legislator Olena Nicks (D-Uniondale). “When someone’s heart stops, every moment counts. An AED on site can mean the difference between a tragedy and a second chance.”
Other counties across the country already mandate AEDs in public parks and recreational facilities. For example, in New York City, it has been mandated since early 2005 through Local Law 20 that AEDs be available and publicly accessible at selected city-wide parks, as well as public golf courses, while Suffolk County has mandated since 2001 that all parks, as well as police cars, be required to carry AEDs.
“Nassau should be leading the way in public safety, not playing catch-up,” said Legislator Arnold Drucker (D-Plainview). “Let’s get this done. Let’s put people over politics and make sure no family has to wonder, ‘What if an AED had been there?’”
Legislator Scott Davis (D-Rockville Centre) was pointed. “Every minute without defibrillation reduces survival chances by 10%. We need AEDs right here on our fields, not locked away in an office or stuck in a bureaucracy.”