Ohio Mandates AEDs in Schools and Sports Venues to Enhance Cardiac Safety

Ohio has taken a significant step towards enhancing cardiac safety in public spaces.

Governor Mike DeWine recently signed House Bill 47, which requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be available in all public and chartered nonpublic schools, as well as municipally owned or operated sports and recreation venues throughout the state.

This legislative move follows several high-profile cardiac emergencies that highlighted the lifesaving potential of AEDs, including incidents involving Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin and Ohio resident Canen Dickman.

Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during a January 2023 NFL game, and an AED was crucial in saving his life. Similarly, young athlete Canen Dickman's life was saved by an AED after collapsing during a soccer practice.

These cases underscored the need for widespread AED availability and training. Unfortunately, not all stories had a happy ending; Paul G. Ward Jr., father of Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward, did not survive his cardiac arrest during a spin class, a tragedy compounded by the unused AED in the facility.

Nicole Ward, Paul's widow, spurred by her husband’s untimely death, founded the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation to promote heart health awareness and ensure that Ohioans are trained in CPR and AED usage.

The law aims to prevent similar tragedies by ensuring that AEDs are accessible and that community members are equipped to use them effectively.

At the bill signing, former athletic trainer Paul Sparling emphasized the importance of the legislation, noted: 

"It's not just the kids, it's the coaches, the parents, the grandparents, the fans, anyone within close proximity of an AED can have a second chance when it's implemented properly."

This law marks a critical advancement in public health preparedness, potentially offering countless individuals a second chance at life in the face of sudden cardiac arrest. As Denzel Ward stated, the pride of being from Ohio has grown with this proactive commitment to cardiac safety.

Read the full details from the Columbus Dispatch here!