HELENA, MT, June 5, 2025 — Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone and can happen anywhere – even in schools. According to the American Heart Association, only about 10% of people who experience cardiac arrests outside of a hospital survive. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple the chance of survival.
Because of this, the Association applauds the signing of House Bill 869 into law. The measure will help Montana schools establish Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) so that, should a cardiac arrest happen at a school athletic facility or athletic event, people are prepared to respond quickly and appropriately. The bill was sponsored by State Rep. Melissa Romano (D-81st district). Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the bill into law.
Riley Ungaretti, the Montana Athletic Trainers' Association (MTATA) president, testified before lawmakers on why it is vital for school athletics to have a plan in place to respond to cardiac emergencies.

“Montana schools will now be equipped to handle cardiac emergencies,” said Ungaretti. “This policy is focused on the safety and well-being of our children. I applaud Governor Gianforte and our legislators for taking this important step that will save lives, especially in approving a grant program dedicated to purchasing AEDs.”

“We are so grateful to Representative Romano for her leadership on this important bill and to Governor Gianforte for signing it into law,” said Jackie Semmens, the Association’s Montana government relations director. “We know that implementing cardiac emergency response plans with American Heart Association guidelines can protect and save lives of not only students, but staff and visitors as well. This is truly lifesaving work.”

The American Heart Association, a founding member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition established by the National Football League in 2023, and their Heart Powered advocates worked alongside coalition members and other organizations to push for this policy, which is designed to increase survival rates from cardiac arrests that happen at school athletic events.

This bill ensures that school athletic events will have a practiced plan to address cardiac events. Schools with a cardiac emergency response plan can increase cardiac arrest survival rates by 50% or more by enabling a trained lay-responder-led team to take action with CPR, use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and in coordination with Emergency Medical Services. As part of its Nation of Lifesavers™ campaign, the American Heart Association is working to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by 2030.

 “On behalf of the National Football League and the more than 40 additional members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, I applaud Governor Gianforte and the legislature for enacting this crucial, lifesaving legislation,” said Kenneth Edmonds, vice president of government relations and public policy for the National Football League. “The new law ensures that schools have in place the three, evidence-based core elements of an effective response to sudden cardiac arrests – a rehearsed emergency plan of action; AEDs at or nearby school athletic venue or event; and CPR and AED-use training for key personnel, including coaches. This law marks a victory for the health and safety of young people across the state.”

“We are appreciative towards the American Heart Association for including the MTATA and the Montana High School Association in the bill drafting process. The collaborative effort prior to the bill hearings was crucial in the smooth passing of this important bill by the legislators” said Ungaretti. “Ideally, every school in Montana would have an athletic trainer who is extensively trained in saving a life from sudden cardiac arrest. This bill, however, may be the next best thing in order to ensure the safety of Montana’s athletes through preparation, training and practice.”

Added Semmens, “As an advocate, and also as a parent, I’m grateful to see this legislation go into effect to help ensure our students, athletes, and communities are safer.”

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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, contact:
Jay Wintermeyer: jay.wintermeyer@heart.org