Biden signs HEARTS Act: Empowering schools to save lives in cardiac emergencies

President Joe Biden recently signed the bipartisan HEARTS Act into law, which aims to improve cardiac emergency preparedness in U.S. schools. This legislation provides schools with resources and training to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, potentially saving lives. It passed the House in September and was approved by the Senate in December.

The HEARTS Act supports the American Heart Association’s effort to reduce sudden cardiac arrest deaths. The law enhances survival rates by equipping schools with CPR training, AEDs, and increased awareness to ensure staff and students are prepared for emergencies.

Rising need for cardiac preparedness in schools

Every year, thousands of children and adolescents across the U.S. experience sudden cardiac arrest, with many cases occurring on school grounds or during athletic events. According to the AHA, as many as 23,000 children suffer from cardiac arrest each year. These statistics highlight the urgent need for schools to be adequately equipped and trained to deal with these life-threatening emergencies.

The HEARTS Act is a direct response to this need, offering a framework for schools to integrate cardiac emergency response plans, CPR training, and the availability of AEDs. The bill has gained widespread support from various stakeholders, including the NFL’s Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which has been instrumental in pushing for its passage. The new law will help ensure that children who experience sudden cardiac arrest in schools have the best possible chance of survival.

Key features of the HEARTS Act

The HEARTS Act provides several key provisions aimed at improving preparedness for cardiac emergencies in schools across the country. Among the most significant are the establishment of a grant program to help schools acquire the necessary equipment, along with CPR and AED training. These measures will make a tangible difference in increasing survival rates from cardiac arrest.

The bill also includes provisions from the Access to AEDs Act, which was introduced earlier in 2023. This act, supported by the AHA and other key organizations, ensures that schools have the resources to obtain and maintain AEDs and that school staff are adequately trained to use them in emergencies. In fact, studies have shown that survival rates for children experiencing cardiac arrest are up to seven times higher in schools equipped with AEDs compared to those without.

How the HEARTS Act will save lives

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating, leading to the rapid loss of consciousness and, if not treated immediately, death. However, when prompt CPR is administered and an AED is used within minutes, survival chances increase dramatically. The HEARTS Act recognizes that by equipping schools with the necessary resources and training, it is possible to save lives and significantly improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest.

The law’s provisions will help ensure that bystanders, whether they are teachers, staff, or fellow students, are prepared to step in and assist in an emergency. Currently, about 40% of people who experience cardiac arrest receive help before emergency responders arrive. The HEARTS Act seeks to increase this number by making training widely available and encouraging more people to become prepared to act in the event of an emergency.

Damar Hamlin and the HEARTS Act

Damar Hamlin’s journey from survivor to advocate has become a cornerstone of the HEARTS Act’s mission to enhance cardiac safety. Nearly two years ago, Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during an NFL game in Cincinnati. His life was saved by the swift actions of medical professionals equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED). This life-altering experience transformed him into a vocal proponent for accessible AEDs and CPR training in schools and sports environments.

“Every year, as many as 23,000 kids experience cardiac arrest in our country, and I believe that every one of them deserves the same access to lifesaving care that I had,” Hamlin said in support of the bill. Reflecting on his advocacy journey, he added, “From schools to ball fields, this bill will protect kids.” Hamlin expressed that while he always aspired to leave a legacy on the field, he now sees an opportunity to make a meaningful difference off the field as well.

Hamlin’s advocacy has underscored the importance of preparation, and gaining support from lawmakers, communities, and organizations like the NFL. His efforts spotlight the HEARTS Act, which funds AEDs, CPR training, and emergency plans in schools. These measures aim to make schools safer and improve survival rates during cardiac emergencies.

The HEARTS Act also promotes cultural change, sparking discussions about empowering communities to act. “This is about creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to act in an emergency,” said Leeanna McKibben of the American Heart Association.

By encouraging AED access and emergency planning, the HEARTS Act builds on state-level reforms, extending lifesaving resources nationwide with federal backing.

Support and advocacy for the HEARTS Act

The HEARTS Act was passed due to the dedicated efforts of lawmakers and advocates, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senators Cory Booker and Susan Collins. Grassroots advocates shared personal stories of survival and loss, highlighting the need for better cardiac emergency preparedness in schools.

The American Heart Association (AHA) played a key role in advocating for the bill. AHA CEO Nancy Brown thanked Congressional champions, including Schumer, Booker, Collins, and others, for their commitment to making schools safer. The NFL’s Smart Heart Sports Coalition and other organizations also supported the bill, making it a bipartisan effort to save lives.

Safer schools, healthier communities

While the HEARTS Act is a monumental step toward improving cardiac emergency preparedness, it is part of a larger movement that includes ongoing advocacy efforts, grassroots campaigns, and state-level initiatives. Across the country, efforts continue to make schools and athletic facilities safer by ensuring that they are equipped to handle cardiac emergencies.

As part of its mission, the AHA is committed to increasing the number of schools with AEDs and CPR-trained staff, as well as ensuring that state legislatures pass laws that require schools to have robust cardiac emergency response plans.

The importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated, as sudden cardiac arrest can strike without warning, and every second counts when it comes to saving a life. The HEARTS Act will help ensure that schools across the country are ready to respond quickly and effectively to these emergencies, ultimately saving more lives and creating safer school environments for students, staff, and visitors.

Fall prevention in emergency plans

As we look at improving school safety, it’s equally important to consider the broader context of emergency preparedness, particularly in environments where individuals may be more vulnerable, such as the elderly.

While the HEARTS Act focuses on cardiac arrest in schools, similar attention should be given to fall prevention, particularly in homes and for seniors. Both issues require preparedness to ensure safety for all ages.

As cardiac arrest can affect anyone, fall prevention measures are vital in environments with high foot traffic. By educating staff and students about home safety, schools can help create a safer community overall.

Future steps and continued advocacy

The HEARTS Act is a crucial step in protecting young lives, combining federal funding, state advocacy, and community efforts to create a nationwide approach to cardiac emergency preparedness.

It fills key gaps by empowering bystanders with hands-only CPR and ensuring schools have accessible AEDs. As Damar Hamlin said, “This bill will create lasting change, and I’m proud to have played a part.” The Act fosters a culture of readiness and resilience, ensuring future generations are safer.

The American Heart Association is focused on securing funding for the HEARTS Act and advocating for state-level policies to equip schools for cardiac emergencies. As the law is implemented, communities will gain better access to lifesaving resources, building healthier futures.