Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Oklahoma schools can save lives
OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 1, 2024 — Oklahoma State Sen. Paul Rosino of Oklahoma City has filed Senate Bill 1921 to ensure all schools in Oklahoma are prepared for cardiac arrest emergencies by requiring cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) in school facilities throughout the state.
It is estimated that about 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Many states, including Oklahoma, require CPR as a graduation requirement, ensuring that every year more people are ready to take action when a cardiac arrest occurs in our communities. However, some of these same states lack laws requiring schools to have a plan in place if an incident of cardiac arrest were to occur on their campus – whether at an athletic event or at a school facility.
The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and the national Smart Heart Sports Coalition is calling on Oklahoma state legislators to pass policies requiring a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) in all Oklahoma public schools.
Of the 23,000 children who will experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, about 40% of these events are sports related. Whether in the classroom or on the playing field, having a plan in place to enable faculty, staff and students to quickly, and correctly, respond to a cardiac emergency can save lives. CPR, if performed immediately, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. And in schools with AEDs, approximately 70% of children survive cardiac arrest – seven times the overall survival rate for children.
"Discussions surrounding cardiac arrest are often focused on older generations, but sudden and life-threatening cardiac events can happen to anyone,” Rosino said. “Our schools work hard to protect our children but educators are not healthcare providers. This measure encourages collaboration at the district level to ensure our dedicated school staff and Oklahoma's students are prepared to know how to respond quickly to a cardiac emergency to save a life."
In 2022, Collin Cottom, a then-17-year-old student at Cascia Hall in Tulsa, collapsed on the football field during a game due to sudden cardiac arrest. Thanks to quick action, Cottom received chest compressions from bystanders and use of an AED, saving his life.
“Our family is thrilled that Sen. Rosino and the American Heart Association are supporting this legislation,” said Karissa Cottom, Collin Cottom’s mother. “We hope all schools will implement a CERP so that their students have a second chance at life, like Collin, should they experience a cardiac arrest event.”
“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time,” said Alisa Northcutt, government relations director for the American Heart Association in Oklahoma. “Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) can be used by school personnel, healthcare providers, boards of education and school safety advocates to better prepare for quick response to cardiac arrest resulting in seconds saved and more importantly, lives saved.
Schools are often a gathering place for community events. Parents and community members are often at schools for plays, concerts, and athletic events, so schools having a plan that is regularly reviewed and practiced can have a tremendous impact.
SB 1921 will guarantee every public school in the state is equipped with the right plans in place to ensure action is taken quickly when cardiac emergencies occur. This legislation will prepare an entire generation to become life savers.
This legislation will be addressed during the Oklahoma 59th Regular Legislative Session that convenes Feb. 5, 2024. Learn more and get involved at http://www.yourethecure.org
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
