Working to Ensure Montana Schools Are Ready for an Emergency

A healthy young athlete collapsing on the field is a scenario no one wants to think about. This session, Montana legislators have the opportunity to ensure every school is ready to respond to a cardiac emergency.

House Bill 869 would require schools create a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) so precious seconds are not lost in an emergency.

What is a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, and why do schools need one?

These plans must include:

establishing a cardiac emergency response team;
making a clearly marked automated external defibrillator (AED) easily accessible in an unlocked location at each school athletic venue and event; and
maintaining ongoing hands-on staff training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of an AED.

Because minutes matter in a cardiac emergency, preparation ahead of time is essential.

Why do schools need AEDs?

Communities entrust our local schools with the care and safety of students, but also of staff and visitors. AEDs are a critical part of the basic safety infrastructure every school should have on hand.

An estimated 23,000 children a year experience sudden cardiac arrest.
40 percent of these cardiac arrests occur during sports.
In schools with AEDs, approximately 70% of children survive cardiac arrest – seven times the overall survival rate for children.
Schools often host people of all ages for plays, recitals, and athletic events.

What does this bill do?

HB 869 would help ensure that every school is prepared for a cardiac emergency by:

Requiring schools to create cardiac emergency response plans
Requiring schools to have accessible AEDs at athletic events
Provide funding for schools who need assistance purchasing AEDs

What can I do to help?

We need YOUR help to get this critical piece of legislation across the line in Montana. If you or someone you know cares about this issue, please reach out to our team:

Jackie Semmens [email protected]

Grace Henscheid [email protected]