Pennsylvania Senators Introduce Bill to Address Sudden Cardiac Arrests in Schools

Pennsylvania (WHTM) — Pennsylvania Senator Katie Moose says cardiac arrest can occur without symptoms or warning signs. Muth wants schools across the state to be prepared by introducing his two bills addressing sudden cardiac arrest.

Senate Bill 512 requires that each school building in the state have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) located in a central, easily accessible location. School districts must also develop an emergency action plan and a certified emergency response team.

Senate Bill 513 requires all athletic team coaches and after-school activity supervisors to be CPR and AED certified.

Muth said Pennsylvania is one of the only states that does not require AEDs in all school buildings. The bill will help keep track of which school has her AED.

“It became very clear after nine years that there are many gaps in data collection and reporting requirements, as unfortunately in all parts of government. , we want to streamline the data so that we can actually be held accountable when schools don’t have AEDs,” Muth explains.

The measure also requires that at least 10% of school personnel in each building be members of emergency response teams and be certified in CPR and AED training.