Recently, a set of bills were passed in the Michigan House that would mandate Michigan Public Schools to have Automated External Defibrillator (AED) access at school athletic events. An AED works by analyzing the rhythm of an individual’s heart and then delivering an electrical shock, if necessary, to help re-establish the heart’s proper rhythm. Rep. John Fitzgerald said, “We are acknowledging the harsh realty that sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t discriminate by age or physical fitness. It can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time.” He also stated that nationally in 2022 about 39% of all sudden cardiac arrest related incidents in children under 18 years occurred in sports settings. While most Michigan schools already have AEDs, they are not legally required to have them or have any type of response plan.

Under the new legislation, public schools in Michigan (K-12 grade) would need to have a written cardiac emergency response plan by the 2025-2026 school year. The plan must include an established response team, how this team will be activated, routine maintenance of the AEDs, and routine training in CPR and on the AEDs. The defibrillators must be clearly marked and placed in accessible locations, preferably within one to three minutes of any cardiac emergency.

The legislation also states that by the 2025-2026 school year, all high school athletic coaches must be trained in CPR and in the use of AEDs. It is imperative that proper training is conducted so the AEDs are used correctly, especially in emergency situations.

There have been too many tragic situations in which high school students have lost their lives due to cardiac arrest. It is known that when bystanders intervene during a cardiac arrest situation instead of waiting for emergency responders, the victim will have a better chance of survival. When it comes to cardiac arrest, seconds matter.

The bill will advance to the Michigan Senate next.

Written by Beier Howlett

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