American Heart Association and two Florida legislators champion lifesaving cardiac emergency response plans in schools

Senator Burgess and Representative Mayfield lend support to lifesaving policies for Florida public schools

In a landmark move to champion Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERP) in all Florida public schools, State Senator Danny Burgess and State Representative Debbie Mayfield are taking a stand for the health and well-being of Florida students. Sen. Burgess is the sponsor of SB 104 Cardiac Emergencies and Rep. Mayfield is the sponsor of HB 337 Cardiac Emergencies on School Grounds.

It is estimated that about 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Many states require CPR as a graduation requirement, ensuring that every year, more people are ready to take action when a cardiac arrest occurs in our communities. However, some states lack laws requiring schools to have a plan in place if an incident of cardiac arrest were to occur on their campus – whether at an athletic event or a school facility.

Recognizing the critical importance of swift and effective response to cardiac incidents, Sen. Burgess is championing SB 104 Cardiac Emergencies to make sure school staff are trained to act in a cardiac emergency.

“We have an opportunity to make our schools safer for students and faculty, by making sure anyone can step in and save a life with CPR and AED use,” said Sen. Burgess.

“Parents shouldn’t have to worry about their child having a cardiac emergency at school, but it does happen,” said Rep. Mayfield. “We’re working together on this legislation to make sure school staff knows just what to do if a student collapses.”

The announcement of this support for cardiac emergency response plan policies marks an impactful milestone in the ongoing efforts to prioritize training and equipping schools for effective responses to cardiac emergencies.

“We are beyond grateful to have Senator Burgess and Representative Mayfield as champions to shepherd these lifesaving policies through the legislative process,” said Tiffany McCaskill Henderson, government relations director for the American Heart Association.

Learn more and get involved at yourethecure.org/nationoflifesavers or text LIFESAVERS to 46839.