Legislation in Ohio signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine mandates that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) be placed in every public and chartered nonpublic school in the state, as well as all municipally owned or operated sports and recreation venues.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that DeWine signed the legislation at Worthington Kilbourne High School in Columbus, where a student's life was saved in 2023 when an AED was used to revive him after a cardiac arrest.
Despite the prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest, AEDs were not legally required to be placed in Ohio schools, or municipally owned and operated sports and recreation venues.
The American Heart Association thanked Ohio for enacting the legislation:
“The American Heart Association appreciates the legislature and the governor for supporting legislation that will require the placement of AEDs in all public schools along with a requirement that emergency action plans be adopted at these sites and for staff to be trained in using AEDs. This life-saving policy complements and reinforces Ohio’s existing requirement that coaches be certified in CPR. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes and most commonly occurs during or just after physical exertion, while engaged in practice sessions, organized competition, or other sports activities. With only seconds to react and every minute crucial, having an appropriate plan in place during a sudden cardiac emergency will certainly make a difference in survival.”
Paul Sparling, former athletic trainer and medical administration consultant for the Cincinnati Bengals, stressed that having AEDs in schools creates a safer environment.
"It's not just the kids, it's the coaches, the parents, the grandparents, the fans, anyone within close proximity of an AED can have a second chance when it's implemented properly," said Sparling.
During a Bengals game in Cincinnati in 2023, Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field. An AED was used to revive him.
