Bill to push Washington schools to have Cardiac Emergency Response Plans to Help Save Lives

SEATTLE, Feb. 6, 2025 - Washington law requires public schools to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to students before graduating high school, ensuring that every year, more people are ready to take action when a cardiac arrest occurs. However, many schools do not have a plan in place if an incident of cardiac arrest were to occur on their campus – whether at an athletic event or a school facility.

 

The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, along with bill sponsor Rep. Alicia Rule from Whatcom County is calling on state legislators to help pass policies requiring a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) in all Washington public schools. A CERP would help boost survival rates from cardiac arrest by empowering people to take action by dialing 911, starting CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).   

 

More than 356,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital in the United States each year. Without the proper response from people nearby, 85% of these incidents of cardiac arrest in Washington will result in death. It is estimated that nationally about 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Of the 23,000 children, about 40% of these cardiac arrest events are sports-related. 

 

Whether in the classroom or on the playing field, having a plan in place to enable faculty, staff and students to quickly and correctly respond to a cardiac emergency can save lives. CPR, if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.  In schools with AEDs, approximately 70% of children survive cardiac arrest – seven times the overall survival rate for children.

 

“Schools are often a gathering place for community events. Parents and community members are often at schools for plays, concerts and athletic events, so schools having a regularly reviewed and practiced plan can have a tremendous impact. It’s a no-brainer,” said Rep. Rule. 

 

“When we have practiced CPR, know to call 911, and know where the nearest AED is located, more people like me will survive a cardiac arrest,” said Shelly Copeland, a teacher in the Vancouver School District who experienced cardiac arrest when she taught in a different state in 2008. The school had a crisis response team in place and came to her rescue by calling 911,  providing CPR and using an AED while waiting for paramedics to arrive. “If there had not been an AED and people weren’t trained, I wouldn’t have survived.”  

 

The American Heart Association asks teachers, students, coaches, parents, and the medical community to contact their legislators to let them know this policy is a top priority for our families and community and to make sure our schools can implement these proven lifesaving plans. Learn more and get involved at YoureTheCure.org/CERP or text SMART to 46839.

 

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The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. To connect with the American Heart Association in Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.

 

Valerie Koch, Valerie.koch@heart.org 

Francesca Minas, Francesca.minas@heart.org 

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 

heart.org and stroke.org