WKTV/Canva
UTICA, N.Y. — Legislation was signed in New York to strengthen school safety measures to better protect students, staff and visitors during sudden cardiac emergencies.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Bill A.785-A/S.5539-A into law, which was co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon.
The newly enacted law mandates that all schools develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) as part of their existing safety protocols.
“This plan ensures schools are prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to incidents involving sudden cardiac arrest at any school facility or school-sponsored event, including athletic programs. It also encourages coordination with local emergency medical services, training for relevant staff, and the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in accessible locations to maximize lifesaving outcomes,” according to Buttenschon’s office.
The new law will require schools to integrate cardiac emergency response protocols into safety plans.
It also provides clear procedures for incidents at school events, encourages training in CPR and AED use for staff, and aligns a school’s response plans with local EMS protocols.
“When a child, teacher or community member suffers a cardiac arrest on school grounds, time is truly the difference between life and death. With this law, schools will now have comprehensive, venue-specific plans to respond swiftly and effectively,” Buttenschon said.
Legislation was signed in New York to strengthen school safety measures to better protect students, staff and visitors during sudden cardiac emergencies.
