On December 23, 2024, President Biden signed the Cardiomyopathy, Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act (H.R. 6829) into law, cementing a major victory in the fight to protect students and staff from cardiac emergencies. This landmark legislation, which received unanimous support in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, promises to significantly enhance the preparedness of schools across the nation in handling cardiac events.
The HEARTS Act Becomes Law
The HEARTS Act's enactment is a pivotal moment for school safety and public health. With the President’s signature, schools are now mandated to adopt comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans, ensuring a swift and effective reaction to cardiac arrests. The law emphasizes three critical areas:
- Cardiac Emergency Response Plans: Schools must implement detailed plans for responding to cardiac emergencies, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.
- Training in CPR and AED Use: Both students and staff will receive training in CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), equipping them with the skills to save lives during a cardiac event.
- AED Accessibility: The HEARTS Act allocates resources to help schools purchase AEDs and necessary equipment, making these life-saving devices readily available.
Why the HEARTS Act Matters
With nearly 23,000 children experiencing it outside of hospitals each year, the HEARTS Act addresses the urgent need for preparedness in schools, where immediate action can be the difference between life and death. Research shows that survival rates from cardiac arrest more than double when AEDs are available, and bystanders are trained in CPR. Despite this, only 40% of cardiac arrest victims receive the immediate help they need. The HEARTS Act also integrates provisions from the Access to AEDs Act, drawing widespread support from the American Heart Association, NFL player Damar Hamlin, and the National Football League, among others. This collaboration underscores the importance of making AEDs accessible and ensuring that individuals are prepared to act in an emergency.
The Broader Impact of the HEARTS Act
By mandating cardiac emergency training and resources, the HEARTS Act transforms schools into safer environments where staff and students are empowered to save lives. Schools with AEDs are shown to significantly increase the survival rates of children experiencing cardiac arrest. Key supporters of the HEARTS Act include Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senators Cory Booker and Susan Collins, and Representatives Frank Pallone, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and Bill Posey. Their advocacy has been crucial in advancing this life-saving legislation, which will enhance awareness, training, and resource availability in schools nationwide.
A Unified Commitment to Cardiac Safety
The HEARTS Act's bipartisan support highlights a unified commitment to cardiac emergency preparedness in schools. Advocates, including cardiac arrest survivors like NFL star Damar Hamlin, have played a vital role in promoting this legislation. Hamlin’s personal testimony underscores the critical need for access to life-saving care for all children. With the HEARTS Act now law, the focus shifts to implementation and continued advocacy. The American Heart Association and its partners remain dedicated to advancing national efforts to protect students and staff from sudden cardiac arrest. This legislation marks a significant stride toward a safer future, where schools are equipped to respond to emergencies and save lives.
Looking Ahead
As the HEARTS Act takes effect, schools across the country will begin integrating cardiac emergency response plans, training programs, and AEDs into their safety protocols. This comprehensive approach will enhance the ability of schools to respond to cardiac emergencies, ultimately saving lives and fostering a culture of preparedness. Stay connected with AED.US for the latest updates on the HEARTS Act and learn how you can contribute to the ongoing efforts. Together, we can ensure that every school is equipped and ready to protect the health and safety of our children.
