Bill > H7027

This bill expands the requirement for all high schools and middle schools, both public and private, to have functional Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on-site and to establish and implement cardiac emergency response plans, including specific plans for athletic activities, starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. An AED is a portable device that can deliver an electric shock to restart a heart that has stopped beating unexpectedly, a condition known as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). A cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) is a written document outlining steps to reduce deaths from SCA, while an athletic emergency action plan (EAP) provides guidelines for responding to catastrophic injuries during sports. The bill also mandates that appropriate school staff, including coaches, be trained in CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) and AED use, and that AEDs be clearly marked, accessible, and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines. The commissioner of education and the director of health are tasked with creating rules to ensure compliance, and schools can accept donations for AEDs and related training. This act will become effective upon its passage.

Education

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