TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 29, 2025 — Last school year, then-senior Ansel Lantigua was at school, running in track practice, when his heart stopped. He survived thanks to the quick actions of his track coach, Lauren Palek, and assistant principal, Scott Hazlett, who both knew to call 911, start CPR, and use an AED.
Now, thanks to HB 1607, supported by the American Heart Association, students, staff and visitors at every Florida school will have that same access to immediate care in a cardiac emergency. The legislation will ensure every public school in Florida has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site, and a cardiac emergency response plan in place with staff trained to act in a cardiac emergency.
“This legislation will save lives, and we are grateful to Senator Corey Simon and Representatives Taylor Yarkosky and Alex Rizo for championing it,” said Tiffany McCaskill Henderson, the American Heart Association’s Florida government relations director. “Many Floridians with personal stories of surviving cardiac arrest advocated alongside us to educate legislators on the importance of this bill, and Florida’s legislators listened.”
According to the American Heart Association, more than 356,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital in the United States each year. Currently, 10% of those people will survive. Hands-Only 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 – that’s seven times the overall survival rate.
Learn more and get involved at heartpowered.org or text SMART to 46839.
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, Instagram and X.
For Media Inquiries:
Nina Barbero, APR
