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State Requirements for Automated External Defibrillators in American Schools: Framing the Debate About Legislative
Mark V Sherrid1, Philip Aagaard2, Stephanie Serrato1
1Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|April 1, 2017
Summary
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools can improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest. However, only a minority of U.S. states mandate AEDs in schools, and even fewer provide funding for this life-saving equipment.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Health Policy
Background:
- Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a critical medical emergency.
- Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) significantly increase survival rates from SCA.
- School environments are potential locations for SCA events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the legislative landscape of automated external defibrillator (AED) mandates in U.S. schools.
- To identify states with existing legislation requiring AED installation in educational institutions.
- To evaluate the extent of funding provided by states for AED procurement in schools.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of U.S. state statutes concerning AEDs in schools.
- Analysis of legislation as of February 2016.
- Categorization of state requirements and funding provisions.
Main Results:
- As of February 2016, only 17 out of 50 U.S. states (34%) had legislation requiring AED installation in some schools.
- Legislation in these states was often not comprehensive.
- Only 5 states offered clear funding for AED purchases by schools.
Conclusions:
- A minority of U.S. states have enacted laws for AED placement in schools, with limited funding support.
- States without AED legislation can reference existing laws in neighboring states.
- Implementing AEDs in schools necessitates comprehensive emergency response plans and staff training.