Requires nonpublic schools provide and maintain on-site automatic external defibrillators on school grounds

• Democratic6
• Republican1

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Shelley Mayer says this is needed

More than 357,000 EMS assessed cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital each year in the United States. Almost 90% are fatal, but victims who receive immediate medical attention, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), are much more likely to survive than those who do not.' While sudden cardiac arrest is rare in children, it does occur. And at least a quarter of reported incidents occur in public places, like schools.' AEDs are computerized, portable devices that analyze the heart rhythm of someone experiencing a cardiac arrest and deliver an electric shock to restore the heart rhythm, when appropriate.' AEDs are designed to be used by a layperson; they come with clear instructions and voice prompts to walk a user through the steps.' And crucially, they can deliver imme- diate care to someone experiencing a cardiac event, eliminating the need to wait for EMS to arrive. Combined with CPR, AEDs are lifesaving when used in the first few minutes after someone experiences a cardiac inci- dent.5 Current law requires public schools to have AEDs available in school buildings, but does not extend to non-public schools.' According to a national survey of schools, 2 in every 50 schools can expect a cardiac event to occur each year. Students, teachers, and visitors all stand to benefit from the availability of AEDs in school buildings, including in non-public schools. Indeed, the American College of Cardiology advocates for AEDs in all population dense locations, including in all types of schools.' This legislation requires non-public schools to provide and maintain AEDs in their school facilities. Non-public schools will also have to ensure an AED is available for all school-sponsored competitive athletic events that may occur off-site. The bill includes liability protection and protection from scope of practice claims for individuals who use an AED in a non-public school in an emergency situation in good faith and outside of the scope of their normal duties.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.