Minnesota schools implement cardiac emergency response plans for the 2026-27 school year
ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 24, 2026 — As students across Minnesota head back to school for the 2026-27 school year, schools are implementing new Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs), a statewide requirement designed to help save lives during cardiac emergencies.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, supported the legislation that established the requirement and is working to ensure schools, families and communities understand the lifesaving value of cardiac emergency preparedness
Passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2025 with bipartisan support, the law requires schools to have a written plan outlining how staff should recognize and respond to a cardiac emergency, including activating emergency medical services, beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
According to the Association, more than 23,000 children younger than 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year in the United States. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival, and survival rates can exceed 50% when a practiced response plan is in place.
"Every second matters when someone suffers a cardiac arrest," said Dr. Robin Germany, MD, American Heart Association Board President – Minnesota. "Cardiac Emergency Response Plans help schools prepare before an emergency happens so staff can respond quickly and confidently. The implementation of these plans is an important step toward making Minnesota schools safer for students, staff and visitors."
A Cardiac Emergency Response Plan establishes clear procedures for responding to a cardiac emergency, identifies response team roles, ensures emergency equipment is accessible and promotes regular practice drills so schools are prepared when seconds count.
The importance of preparedness extends beyond the classroom. According to the Minnesota State High School League, more than 230,000 Minnesota students participated in athletics during the past school year. Cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes and most often occurs during or immediately after exercise.
"Last year, Minnesota took an important step to improve school safety by requiring Cardiac Emergency Response Plans," said Sen. Bonnie Westlin, author and supporter of the legislation. "As schools begin implementing these plans, students, families and school staff can have greater confidence that schools are prepared to respond during a cardiac emergency. This law is about giving every child the best possible chance of survival."
While the American Heart Association is celebrating implementation of CERPs across Minnesota schools, the Association continues to advocate for additional measures that strengthen emergency preparedness, including CPR and AED training for all coaches and assistant coaches.
"When cardiac arrest occurs, immediate action saves lives," said Germany. “Having a written response plan is critical and ensuring coaches and other adults working with students know how to perform CPR and use an AED can make Minnesota schools even safer.”
To learn more about cardiac emergency preparedness and the Association’s advocacy efforts in Minnesota, visit HeartPowered.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. The organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years and is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. Through collaboration with millions of volunteers, supporters, researchers and health care professionals, the Association advances lifesaving science, advocates for healthy communities and helps people live healthier lives. Learn more at heart.org.
For Media Inquiries:
Olivia LaVoy | Marketing & Communications Director | Olivia.LaVoy@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
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