LANSING, Mich. – All high school coaches in Michigan are now required to have a valid certification for CPR and the use of AEDs.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills that require high school coaches to maintain valid certification for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED). The legislation also requires schools to have a cardiac emergency response plan in place in case students have a cardiac issue.
Cardiac arrest is when someone’s heart stops beating. According to the American Heart Association, nearly seven in ten children survive cardiac arrest in schools with AEDs.
“All children should be safe when they participate in school sports,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, I am proud to sign commonsense, bipartisan bills that will require coaches to be trained in CPR and AED use and ensure all public and private schools have a plan in the event of an on-field medical emergency and practice it. By taking proactive measures, we can keep our kids safe while they play.”
House Bill 5527 amends the Fire Prevention Code to require schools to have a cardiac emergency response plan.
House Bill 5528 amends the Revised School Code to require public and private high school athletic coaches to maintain a valid certification in CPR and use of an AED. This certification must be issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or an organization or institution approved by the Department of Education.
“Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes, and in those instances, every second counts,” said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee. “Growing up, we lost a tennis player at my high school from cardiac arrest, and I saw the impact that had on his family, fellow classmates and the entire community. An AED can mean the difference between life and tragedy, and having these devices accessible at every Michigan school will help ensure our educational institutions are equipped to safeguard the health of students.”