In a significant stride toward enhancing public health and safety, President Joe Biden has signed into law the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act. This legislation introduces a new grant program designed to provide schools across the United States with vital resources to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.

The HEARTS Act focuses on equipping students and teachers with critical training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). These portable devices deliver electric shocks to restart a heart during cardiac arrest. Schools will also receive funding to procure AEDs and develop comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans, ensuring preparedness in the face of life-threatening situations.

The bill received strong backing from Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, whose dramatic on-field cardiac arrest during a January 2023 Monday Night Football game captured national attention. Reflecting on his experience, Hamlin stated, “I experienced cardiac arrest and was blessed to be surrounded by a team of medical professionals that saved my life. Every year, as many as 23,000 kids experience cardiac arrest in our country, and I believe that every one of them deserves the same access to lifesaving care that I had.”

Cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart abruptly stops beating, is a medical emergency that claims the lives of more than 350,000 people annually outside of hospitals in the United States, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Immediate action is critical, as about 90% of cardiac arrest victims die without timely intervention. Quick responses, including CPR and AED use, can double or even triple survival rates.

Despite this, only 40% of cardiac arrest victims receive assistance before paramedics arrive. The cardiac emergency response plans championed by the HEARTS Act aim to change this narrative. These plans empower bystanders to act decisively by calling 911, administering CPR, and using an AED—steps that can more than double survival rates, according to the AHA.

AEDs in schools have proven to be game-changers. Data from the AHA indicates that children experiencing cardiac arrest in schools equipped with AEDs are seven times more likely to survive. This underscores the importance of the HEARTS Act in bridging the gap in emergency preparedness across educational institutions.

“Every second counts when someone experiences a cardiac arrest, and now schools will have the resources they need to save lives,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “By ensuring schools nationwide are equipped with cardiac emergency response plans, CPR training, and AEDs, critical resources will be available to students, staff, and visitors that can mean the difference between life and death during a cardiac emergency.”

The HEARTS Act not only promises to save countless lives but also reinforces the importance of fostering a culture of preparedness and community responsibility in schools. With these resources in place, students, teachers, and staff will be better equipped to handle emergencies, making educational institutions safer for everyone.