Bills would push Washington schools to adopt cardiac emergency response plans
This release was updated on Jan. 15, 2026 to reflect the latest bill numbers.
SEATTLE, Mon., Nov. 10, 2025 — Melinda Truax of Edmonds, Wash. lost her 16-year-old son Matthew to a sudden cardiac arrest while he was running on his high school track. The school called 911 and started CPR, but staff didn’t retrieve the on-site automated external defibrillator (AED). Truax believes a practiced cardiac emergency response plan would have ensured that the AED was gathered as part of the emergency response and could have resulted in a different outcome for her son.
Truax is joining Washington Smart Hearts Coalition advocates in calling on state legislators to pass House Bill 2549 and Senate Bill 6118 which would require cardiac emergency response plans for all Washington public schools. The Senate Bill 6118 is sponsored by Sens. T’wina Nobles, District 28 and Paul Harris, District 17. House Bill 2549 is sponsored by Rep. Alicia Rule, District 42.
A cardiac emergency response plan is a written document that establishes the specific steps to reduce death from cardiac arrest in any setting – be it a school, community organization, workplace or sports facility. It outlines the specific people assigned to a Cardiac Emergency Response Team, confirms key staff are trained in CPR and ensures automated external defibrillators are placed, charged and always available. Further, it requires communication with local emergency medical services, the execution of practice drills, and an annual review of the plan.
Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States – and 90% of these are fatal[1]. Immediate CPR and AED use can double or even triple someone’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. Having a cardiac emergency response plan in place in Washington schools will enable faculty, staff and students to quickly and correctly respond to a cardiac emergency on campus and will save lives.
“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time. When it does, every second counts,” said Chad Brown, chairperson of the American Heart Association’s Puget Sound board of directors. “When I went into cardiac arrest in 2016 my wife immediately began CPR. I was incredibly fortunate. We know that the sooner CPR is started and an AED is available, the greater the chances of survival. That’s why every school must be ready to respond. A cardiac emergency response plan isn’t optional, it’s a vital part of keeping students, staff and visitors safe.”
The Washington Smart Hearts Coalition is led by the American Heart Association and includes member organizations: the Washington Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, Nick of Time Foundation, Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, Project Adam - Inland Northwest, Project 100, DP Foundation, MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and League of Education Voters Foundation. Organizations interested in joining the work to ensure all Washington schools have cardiac emergency response plans should contact Alex Hamasaki, state government relations director for the American Heart Association – Washington, at alex.hamasaki@heart.org. Washingtonians interested in supporting this work or learning more should visit HeartPowered.org/campaign/WASmartHearts.
Additional Resources:
- Multimedia is available on the right column of release.
- Learn more about the American Heart Association’s work in Washington at heart.org/Washington.
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About the American Heart Association
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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Washington, visit heart.org/Washington, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X.
For Media Inquiries:
Valerie Koch: valerie.koch@heart.org
Lily Gordon: lily.gordon@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
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