Worthington, Ohio – On a significant day for student safety, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 47 into law at a ceremony held at Worthington Kilbourne High School. This new legislation mandates that every public and chartered nonpublic school in Ohio must be equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Governor DeWine emphasized the critical role of these devices in saving lives, stating, “The evidence is clear: AEDs save lives.” He highlighted that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among student-athletes in the U.S. and noted that immediate use of an AED can make a life-saving difference.
The Importance of AEDs and Personal Testimony
Sudden cardiac arrest is a serious concern, with the CDC reporting over 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually in the United States. Of these, an alarming 70-90% do not survive to reach the hospital. The American Heart Association underscores that nine out of ten cardiac arrest victims can survive if they receive a shock from an AED within the first minute of collapse. This was the reality for Canen Dickman, a Worthington Kilbourne sophomore who experienced a life-threatening cardiac event last year during a soccer practice. Thanks to the prompt response from his coaches, including the use of an AED, Canen was revived and has since fully recovered. His personal experience has fueled his advocacy for legislation requiring AEDs in schools.
Legislative Details and Future Requirements
House Bill 47, sponsored by Rep. Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) and Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester), goes beyond simply placing AEDs in schools. The bill requires the Ohio Department of Health to create a model emergency action plan for AED use, which all public and chartered nonpublic schools must adopt and practice quarterly. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will oversee compliance, including reporting violations for improper placement or lack of adherence to emergency plans.
The bill also mandates training for teachers, administrators, coaches, athletic trainers, and others responsible for student-athletes on the use of AEDs. It extends the requirement for AEDs to municipally owned or operated sports and recreation facilities, reflecting the need to protect young athletes wherever they compete. Moreover, schools and youth sports organizations must hold informational meetings each sports season to educate about the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest.
Governor DeWine’s signing of HB 47 represents a significant step in enhancing safety for students and staff across Ohio. By ensuring that AEDs are readily available and that proper training and emergency plans are in place, this legislation aims to reduce fatalities and improve outcomes for those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
