The U.S. House of Representatives' Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health today approved the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act, which would help ensure students and staff are prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency. The American Heart Association, the world's leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health that is celebrating its centennial birthday this year, issued the following statement:
"When someone experiences a cardiac arrest at school, their chance of survival should not depend on whether or not an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is close by or if someone can perform Hands-Only CPR until emergency responders arrive. In schools with proper equipment and cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs), students and staff know what to do immediately to save a life.
"The American Heart Association is pleased with the bipartisan support for the HEARTS Act, which would require the Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with other agencies and stakeholders, to develop and distribute educational resources on cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of disability and sudden cardiac death among young people. The bill also calls for guidelines regarding the placement of AEDs in schools and child care centers, the establishment of CERPs and information on CPR training.
"We are also thrilled that the HEARTS Act was further strengthened by integrating key aspects of the bipartisan Access to AEDs Act, sponsored by Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Bill Posey. During subcommittee markup, the HEARTS Act was amended to include provisions that will provide much-needed federal support to help schools purchase AEDs, create CERPs and conduct CPR and AED trainings. With more than 100 cosponsors in the House and bipartisan support in the Senate, the Access to AEDs Act has a solid foundation of support throughout Congress.
"We greatly appreciate Rep. Frank Pallone and his colleagues for unanimously moving this bill forward and for their commitment to saving lives. We urge the Energy and Commerce Committee to swiftly pass the HEARTS Act during full committee markup on Wednesday, March 20. In tandem with efforts in states across the country, this bill will help create a Nation of Lifesavers and make our schools safer for students, staff and visitors on campuses nationwide."
