CHEYENNE, Wyo., Feb. 4, 2025 – About a dozen advocates for the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, gathered at the Wyoming State Capitol today for Wyoming Advocacy Day 2025. Throughout the day they met with members of the 68th Wyoming Legislature to talk about the need for a cardiac emergency response plan in place for athletic events.

A CERP is a written document that establishes specific steps to reduce death from cardiac arrest in school settings. These plans can be stand-alone guidelines or merged with a school’s existing medical emergency response plans. The safety of students, school staff and visitors can be enhanced when school CERP teams are trained and empowered to administer lifesaving care until emergency medical services arrive.

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, 90% of these incidents of cardiac arrest will result in death. It is estimated that about 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital annually and that about 40% of these incidents are sports-related.

Volunteer advocates attending Wyoming Advocacy Day included Miss Wyoming 2024 Baylee Drewry of Greybull, a University of Wyoming grad with plans to attend law school this fall. Drewry played on her high school’s football team and coaches girls youth wrestling and softball. She’s a proponent for increasing girls’ participation in sports and believes schools and communities help prepare young female athletes for leadership roles by supporting them in athletics.

With more than 92,000 students enrolled in Wyoming public schools in pre-K to grade 12, about 7,300 teachers in the public school system, plus numerous staff, it is important for school facilities to have a plan in place to address cardiac arrest. 

“Having plans in place to quickly activate in the event of a cardiac event saves lives. When we have practiced CPR, know to call 911, and know where the nearest AED is located, more people will survive a cardiac arrest,” said Drewry.

Many states require CPR as a graduation requirement, ensuring that every year, more people are ready to take action when a cardiac arrest occurs in our communities. However, some of these same states lack laws requiring schools to 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.

“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,” said Chris Turner, region grassroots manager for the American Heart Association’s advocacy efforts in Wyoming.

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

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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 or X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org