On December 10, 2024, the U.S. Senate passed the Cardiomyopathy, Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act (H.R. 6829) by Unanimous Consent, marking a pivotal moment in efforts to protect students and staff in schools across the country. This bipartisan bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously in September, aims to equip schools with the resources and training necessary to respond to cardiac emergencies, saving lives and potentially improving survival rates for the thousands of children who experience cardiac arrest each year.
What Is the HEARTS Act?
The HEARTS Act is designed to ensure that all schools across the U.S. are prepared to handle cardiac emergencies, a critical issue given that nearly 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year. The bill focuses on three key areas:
- Cardiac Emergency Response Plans: Schools will be required to have plans in place for responding to a cardiac emergency.
- Training in CPR and AED Use: Students and staff will be trained in CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which is crucial for saving lives during cardiac arrest.
- AED Accessibility: The HEARTS Act will provide schools with additional resources to purchase AEDs and related equipment to ensure that schools are properly equipped.
Why Was the HEARTS Act Introduced?
The HEARTS Act was introduced in response to the growing need for better preparation and resources for handling cardiac emergencies in schools. Cardiovascular events, such as sudden cardiac arrest, can occur at any time, and immediate action is often required to save lives. Studies have shown that when schools are equipped with AEDs and when people nearby are trained to perform CPR, survival rates from cardiac arrest can more than double. Unfortunately, only 40% of individuals who experience cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need before emergency responders arrive, which is why legislation like the HEARTS Act is essential. The bill also includes provisions from the Access to AEDs Act, which gained significant support from organizations such as the American Heart Association, Damar Hamlin, and the National Football League. These groups recognize that more must be done to ensure that schools, sports fields, and other public spaces are equipped to handle sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.
The Impact of the HEARTS Act
The HEARTS Act is a critical step forward in turning bystanders into lifesavers. By providing schools with additional training, resources, and AEDs, this bill empowers students and staff to act quickly and effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency. In fact, children who experience cardiac arrest at schools with AEDs are seven times more likely to survive than those in schools without this life-saving equipment. 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 championing this bill, which will not only increase awareness and training in schools but also save lives by ensuring that life-saving tools like AEDs are readily available when needed most.
A Unified Effort to Save Lives
The bipartisan support for the HEARTS Act reflects a growing awareness of the importance of cardiac emergency preparedness in schools. The bill has garnered support from a broad coalition of organizations, survivors, and advocates who are committed to reducing the devastating impact of sudden cardiac arrest on children. NFL star Damar Hamlin, a survivor of cardiac arrest, has been a vocal advocate for the bill, sharing his personal experience and highlighting the need for every child to have access to the same life-saving care he received. As the HEARTS Act moves toward final approval, the American Heart Association and its partners continue to push for stronger national efforts to protect students and staff from the dangers of sudden cardiac arrest. With this legislation, schools will be better equipped to respond to emergencies, increasing the chances of survival for children and young adults across the country.
What’s Next?
The HEARTS Act now heads to the President’s desk for signature, marking a significant achievement in the effort to save lives. With this bill, schools will have the resources, training, and equipment necessary to handle cardiac emergencies, turning the tide in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest and helping to ensure a safer future for all students. Stay tuned to AED.US for further updates and information on the HEARTS Act. Together, we can create a Nation of Lifesavers, one school at a time.
