Why AED Access in Schools Is Suddenly Under Debate Again

Indiana lawmakers are debating potential changes to a relatively new law requiring schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs available at sporting events, performances, and other school activities — a move that has sparked concern among parents, advocates, and medical organizations.

The law, commonly known as “Jake’s Law,” went into effect July 1, 2025, and mandates that public, private, and charter schools maintain operational AEDs along with venue-specific emergency action plans.

It was championed by lawmakers and advocates after the 2013 death of Jake West, a student who suffered sudden cardiac arrest. His mother, Julie West, has since become a vocal advocate for AED access in schools.

Now, House Bill 1004, authored in part by Rep. Bob Behning, would remove or strike existing AED language as part of a broader education bill.

West called the proposal “frustrating and disappointing,” emphasizing that the law exists to protect students, staff, and visitors. “There is nothing more important than making sure what happened to Jake and my family doesn’t happen again,” she said.

Medical and advocacy organizations are also pushing back. The American Heart Association said it plans to fight any rollback of AED requirements, stressing that rapid access saves lives. Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Adam Kean explained that AED use within one to three minutes can increase survival rates from 5–10% to as high as 50–70%.

Supporters of revising the law argue clarification is needed, not elimination. The Indiana School Boards Association has asked lawmakers to better define which events require AED coverage, citing concerns about unfunded mandates. However, its advocacy guide does not recommend removing AED requirements altogether.

Investigative reporting found that while many schools already have AEDs, some lack formal emergency response plans. Survivors like Drew Brantley, who collapsed as a high school athlete and was saved by an AED, underscore what’s at stake.

“Without the AED, I would not be sitting here,” he said.

Organizations such as the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Project Adam recommend not only AED access, but rapid retrieval times, emergency planning, and regular drills — measures Athletic Trainers routinely help lead. As lawmakers consider changes, advocates say maintaining lifesaving preparedness must remain the priority. Read more from WTHR here!