On December 26, 2024, President Joe Biden signed the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research, and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act into law. This landmark legislation marks a monumental step toward ensuring schools across the nation are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. By focusing on training, resources, and planning, the HEARTS Act ensures that students, staff, and visitors have access to the tools and knowledge they need to save lives when every second counts.
At AED Market, we are excited to see such critical progress and are proud to support schools in implementing these life-saving measures. Let’s take a closer look at what this law means and why it’s a vital step forward.
What the HEARTS Act Does
The HEARTS Act provides schools with vital resources to strengthen their ability to respond to sudden cardiac emergencies. Key provisions include:
- Funding CPR and AED Training: The law allocates federal funding to train school staff and students in life-saving techniques. This ensures that everyone on campus—from teachers to administrators—has the skills and confidence to act quickly in an emergency.
- Providing Grants for AEDs and Emergency Equipment: Schools and childcare centers can now apply for grants to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and other essential emergency tools. This eliminates financial barriers and makes life-saving equipment more accessible.
- Supporting Cardiac Emergency Response Plans: The law encourages schools to develop formal cardiac emergency response plans, creating safer environments while fostering a culture of preparedness.
Why the HEARTS Act Matters
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and it doesn’t just affect adults. Each year, over 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest, many of them in schools or during athletic activities. The survival rate without immediate intervention is devastatingly low, but having AEDs and trained responders on-site can dramatically change that.
Schools equipped with AEDs are seven times more likely to save a life, and when paired with immediate CPR, survival rates can double or even triple. The HEARTS Act ensures that no school is left unprepared and that every child, teacher, and visitor has a fighting chance during a cardiac emergency.
Real Stories Behind the Legislation
The HEARTS Act isn’t just about statistics—it’s about real lives saved and lives lost when resources weren’t available. It draws inspiration from young athletes like Kittim Sherrod and the advocacy of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a game in January 2023.
Hamlin’s near-death experience was a wake-up call for the importance of having AEDs on hand and trained individuals ready to respond. His story and the stories of others like him highlight the critical need for schools to be prepared. The HEARTS Act honors these stories by ensuring that schools have the tools they need to save lives.
The Bigger Picture
The HEARTS Act is more than just legislation—it’s part of a larger movement to improve outcomes for sudden cardiac arrest nationwide. Organizations like the American Heart Association have set ambitious goals, such as doubling survival rates by 2030, and this law is a significant step toward achieving that.
By equipping schools with AEDs, providing CPR training, and requiring emergency plans, the HEARTS Act creates a ripple effect of safety. It not only protects children but also empowers communities to take action in life-threatening situations.
How AED Market Can Help
At AED Market, we’re committed to helping schools take full advantage of the HEARTS Act. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your existing safety measures, we can assist with:
- Guidance on Funding: We’ll help you navigate grant applications and maximize your school’s resources.
- Selecting the Right AEDs: Our team can recommend the best AEDs to fit your school’s specific needs, ensuring you’re fully equipped to respond to emergencies.
- Emergency Response Planning: From training staff to creating cardiac emergency response plans, we’re here to support your efforts every step of the way.
Visit AEDMarket.com to learn how we can help your school implement these life-saving measures and create a safer environment for everyone on campus.
The HEARTS Act is more than just a policy—it’s a promise to protect lives. It’s a reminder that preparedness saves lives and that each of us has a role to play. Schools, parents, and communities must work together to ensure these measures are implemented effectively.
Now is the time to act. Let’s make sure every school is equipped with the tools, training, and confidence needed to save lives. Together, we can turn this promise into reality and create a future where no one faces a cardiac emergency unprepared.