Indiana Schools to Boost Cardiac Emergency Preparedness
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana schools will now be better equipped to respond to sudden cardiac emergencies, thanks to the recent signing of House Bill 1515 into law.
This bill signed into law by Governor Mike Braun, is also known as “Jake’s Law.” It was named in honor of Jake West, a 17-year-old who died of cardiac arrest in 2013 on a high school football field in La Porte, Indiana
The American Heart Association (AHA) is commending Indiana legislators and Governor Mike Braun for enacting the measure, which requires all schools to have a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) in place for all school-related events.
The new law mandates that an automated external defibrillator (AED) be present at every venue where students face an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Furthermore, schools must develop specific action plans tailored to each venue to effectively respond to cardiac emergencies.
Christina Cesnik, Indiana government relations director for the American Heart Association, highlighted the significance of Indiana joining a growing national trend.
“Indiana is 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,” Cesnik stated.
She noted that over two dozen states have already passed similar legislation, with more expected to follow suit.
The AHA emphasizes the critical role of AEDs and immediate CPR in improving survival rates for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. “AEDs and immediate CPR dramatically increase the chance of survival for someone experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest,” Cesnik explained. “Students, parents and grandparents will all benefit from schools being prepared to respond to these emergencies.”
The American Heart Association, a global organization dedicated to improving cardiovascular health, has championed such legislation as part of its ongoing efforts to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Listen to the full interview with Christina Cesnik HERE.
