Michigan Legislators Push for Increased AED Training and Access in Schools

In a critical move to enhance the safety of student-athletes and spectators alike, Michigan is taking steps to require increased training, planning, and access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public schools.

This legislative push, propelled by the tragic death of 18-year-old Cartier Woods from Detroit Northwestern High School after a cardiac arrest during a basketball game, aims to ensure that the tragedy does not repeat.

Representatives John Fitzgerald and Tyrone Carter are leading the charge with bills that have already made their way through the Michigan House.

These proposals mandate that all public and charter school coaches receive AED training in addition to CPR, emphasizing the urgency of immediate response to cardiac emergencies.

"The AED training will piggyback on the yearly CPR training that is already required for coaches. There will be no extra cost for the additional training."

The legislation seeks to formalize a cardiac emergency response plan in schools, detailing the responsibilities of designated personnel during such crises.

"The bill is to implement a cardiac emergency response plan, which would be a formalized plan of who is responding, what are their duties, and what their responsibilities are in case of a cardiac emergency," explained Rep. Fitzgerald.

This initiative is a direct response to past incidents where the absence of an AED or lack of immediate action had fatal consequences.

The proposed laws would require high school athletic coaches to be trained in CPR and AED usage by the 2025-26 school year, reflecting a broader effort to equip schools with the necessary tools and knowledge to prevent cardiac arrest fatalities. Fitzgerald underlined the indiscriminate nature of such emergencies:

"We are acknowledging the harsh reality that sudden cardiac arrest doesn't discriminate by age or physical fitness."

Supporters of this legislation, including the American Heart Association, the Michigan State Medical Society, and the Department of Education, underscore the potential of these measures to save lives. Geoff Kimmerly, of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, echoed this sentiment:

"One child passing is too many, which is why our goal through our training is that at least somebody at every practice or game has the proper training."

As the bills head to the Michigan Senate, there is a hopeful anticipation that the state will assist with the $1,500 cost per AED, making these life-saving devices more accessible across schools.

The legislation not only aims to prevent future tragedies but also offers legal protection to coaches who use AEDs in emergencies, unless in cases of "gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct."

Michigan's initiative to bolster the safety of its school athletic programs through enhanced AED training and access represents a significant step forward in safeguarding young lives.

As these bills progress, the state sets a precedent for others to follow, emphasizing the critical role of preparedness and immediate response in cardiac emergency situations.