Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United States accounting for an estimated 295,000 occurrences of out-of hospital SCA per year, with only an 8 percent survival rate. It can be successfully treated in many victims by a time electrical shock using an automated external defibrillator (AED), but time is critical. Using AEDs helps saves lives because they can help restore normal heart rhythm before emergency personnel arrive. Communities with comprehensive AED programs have achieved survival rates of 40 percent or higher.
Josh Miller HEARTS Act
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association strongly supports the Josh Miller Helping Everyone Access Responsive Treatment in Schools (HEARTS) Act (H.R. 1311). This important piece of legislation would authorize funding for schools to purchase AEDS, requires adequate training of teachers and staff in CPR/AED use, and encourages schools to create medical emergency response plans. The bill was introduced by Representative Betty Sutton (D-OH) on April 5th.Important components of the bill include:
- Purchase of AEDs: Local education agencies may apply for the purchase of AEDs for any public or private school in their jurisdiction. Priority is given to schools without access to an AED, schools with a large student and staff population, and schools without timely access to emergency care.
- Training: The bill requires that at least 5 adults in each school should be trained and certified in CPR and the use of an AED. Funding provided by the Josh Miller HEARTS Act may be used for training in addition to the purchase of an AED.
- Medical Emergency Response Plans: H.R. 1377 encourages schools to create medical emergency response plans and integrate the use of an AED into such plans. The bill also requires schools to notify local emergency services personnel of the placement of the AED in their school.
- Funding: H.R. 1377 authorizes funding through 2017. The bill requires that the applicant provide $1 of matching funding for every $3 of federal funding.
Rural and Community Access to Emergency Devices
For every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, the chances of survival decreases by 7-10 percent. The association urges Congress to restore funding for the Rural and Community Access to Emergency Devices Program to the FY 2005 level of $8.927 million. This program, which is administered by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), helps communities buy AEDs, train lay rescuers and first responders in their use, and place them in public places where SCA is likely to occur. National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week
On December 13, 2007, Congress unanimously passed a resolution to create National CPR and AED Awareness Week. This observance occurs the first week of June each year to increase public knowledge of the use of CPR and AEDs. The Association will be hosting events, offering classes and providing educational information on the importance of being trained in CPR and AED use. For more information, visit our CPR and AED Awareness Week website.State and Local Advocacy
The association work to support public policy initiatives across the country that promote increased quality and appropriate use of 911 systems; purchase and place AEDs for first responders in high-risk locations; implement CPR training for high school students, lay rescuers and professional responders; and formalize training and certification in emergency medical dispatch to appropriately assess the needs of patients as well as provide life-saving pre-arrival instructions. Working with health advocates across the nation, the association has made significant strides strengthening the Chain of Survival:
- Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland and Oregon all successfully enacted legislation that eased liability concerns for businesses and organizations that place AEDs in their facilities.
- In Wisconsin, a requirement that high school students be offered hands on CPR training was passed through legislation.
