NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 8, 2025 - The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, announced that its multi-year effort to implement and fund cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) in Louisiana schools and at school athletic events has succeeded. This effort is part of the Association’s Nation of Lifesavers movement to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030.

Over the past three legislative sessions, the Association has worked diligently to ensure schools are prepared and ready to save a life in the event of a cardiac emergency on campus or at a school-sponsored athletic event. Since 2023, the Association and its passionate volunteers have advocated for the following legislative milestones:

SB12 (2023), authored by Senator Cleo Fields, marked a major first step forward by requiring schools to develop and implement CERPs, ensure school personnel are trained in CPR and AED use, and have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site. It also secured $1.5 million for AED procurement and implementation. SB12 was signed into law as Act 234 of 2023.

SB54 (2024), sponsored by Senator Bill Wheat, built upon the previous year's success and made it a requirement for high school coaches to be trained in CPR, AED use, and First Aid. The legislation went through the entire legislative process without a single vote of opposition, making it Act 95 of 2024.

HB 1, State Budget (2025), provided funding for CPR and AED training for high school coaches, ensuring they receive two-year certifications in life-saving skills, thanks to the leadership of Representative Jack McFarland.

“Comprehensive emergency response plans will give people the best chance at surviving a cardiac emergency,” said Erica Williams, Louisiana government relations director, American Heart Association. “I applaud Gov. Landry for signing this final and critical piece of this milestone CERPs plan into law. With the help of Rep. McFarland and Senators Wheat and Fields, Louisiana is taking a revolutionary step toward securing multigenerational health in the state.”

HB 1 was signed into law on June 20, 2025. With this final piece in place, schools now have the funding to implement CERPs and ensure coaches are properly trained in CPR and AED use. Once fully implemented, these plans can increase survival rates from cardiac arrest by 50% or more for the millions of people who attend, visit and work at Louisiana schools every day.

“A critical portion of our state’s population passes through the doors of schools each day to teach, to learn and to share,” said Candice Whigham, Louisiana state advocacy committee chair and educator. “Now, all who attend, visit or work at our Louisiana education centers know they will be surrounded by people who are capable of being lifesavers, rather than bystanders.”

With the completion of this three-year campaign, Louisiana will be one of the latest in a growing number of states nationwide that are moving to better prepare schools and school athletic programs to respond to cardiac arrests with the creation of cardiac emergency response plans. More than two dozen states have passed these laws, with several more expected to be signed by governors in the coming days. 

An estimated 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year in the U.S. In schools where AEDs are available, 70% of children survive cardiac arrest – more than seven times the overall survival rate for children. CPR – another critical part of CERP – when performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chances of survival in a cardiac emergency.

To learn more or to get involved, visit HeartPowered.org.

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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.   

For Media Inquiries:

Mary Fein; mary.fein@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org