A Milestone for the HEARTS Act and Ensuring Cardiac Safety in Schools
The recent passage of the Cardiomyopathy, Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act (H.R. 6829) by the U.S. Senate on December 10, 2024, represents a significant advancement in safeguarding students and staff across the nation. This landmark bipartisan legislation, which also unanimously cleared the U.S. House of Representatives in September, aims to ensure that schools are adequately equipped and trained to respond to cardiac emergencies, ultimately improving survival rates for the children who experience cardiac arrest each year.
Understanding the HEARTS Act
The HEARTS Act is a comprehensive approach to preparing schools for cardiac emergencies. Given that nearly 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, the bill emphasizes three critical components:
- Cardiac Emergency Response Plans: Schools will develop and implement detailed plans to address cardiac emergencies promptly.
- Training in CPR and AED Use: The legislation mandates training for students and staff in CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), vital for responding effectively to cardiac arrest incidents.
- AED Accessibility: The HEARTS Act provides financial resources for schools to acquire AEDs and the necessary supporting equipment to ensure they are prepared for emergencies.
The Introduction of the HEARTS Act
The introduction of the HEARTS Act responds to the urgent need for improved cardiac emergency preparedness in educational settings. Cardiovascular events, such as sudden cardiac arrest, require immediate action to save lives. Statistics reveal that only 40% of individuals experiencing cardiac arrest receive the necessary immediate assistance before emergency responders arrive. Legislation like the HEARTS Act addresses this gap by ensuring schools have the resources and training to act swiftly in emergencies.
Additionally, the HEARTS Act incorporates provisions from the Access to AEDs Act, introduced in March 2023 with substantial backing from organizations like the American Heart Association, the National Football League, and prominent advocates like Damar Hamlin. These provisions emphasize the importance of having AEDs readily accessible in schools and public spaces to improve survival rates during sudden cardiac arrest events.
The Impact of the HEARTS Act
The HEARTS Act is a crucial step in transforming bystanders into lifesavers. By equipping schools with the necessary training, resources, and AEDs, the bill empowers students and staff to respond effectively in cardiac emergencies. Research shows that children who experience cardiac arrest in schools with AEDs are seven times more likely to survive compared to those in schools without these life-saving devices
Key supporters, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senators Cory Booker and Susan Collins, and Representatives Frank Pallone, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and Bill Posey, have been instrumental in advancing this legislation. Their efforts will increase awareness, training, and availability of AEDs, ultimately saving lives and making schools safer for everyone.
The Role of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition and Coro Med
The Smart Heart Sports Coalition plays a vital role in promoting cardiac emergency preparedness in schools and the HEARTS Act has been their top legislative priority during the current Congressional session. The coalition has been advocating for states to adopt similar measures for high school athletic venues since 2023, when the coalition was launched. Smart Heart Sports Coalition is also running a nationwide program, "AEDs for Youth" to make new AEDs available to public and private K-12 schools as well as youth sports organizations across the country at substantial discounts.
Coro Med, a preferred AED provider for the Smart Heart Sports Coalition and "AEDs for Youth" program, is proud to support this initiative by providing schools and athletic departments with the essential tools and training needed to protect students, athletes, and spectators alike.
What’s Next?
The HEARTS Act now awaits the President's signature, a significant milestone in the mission to save lives. As the HEARTS Act progresses toward final approval, the American Heart Association and its partners, including the Smart Heart Sports Coalition and Coro Med, continue to advocate for robust national efforts to protect students and staff. With this legislation, schools will be better equipped to handle emergencies, increasing the chances of survival for children and young adults across the country.
Stay informed with Coro Med for updates and ways to support the HEARTS Act. Together, with the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, we are building a Nation of Lifesavers, one school at a time.