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From high-profile nationally broadcast incidents to small-town tragedies that fly under the radar, each of us can think of a situation in which a sudden cardiac arrest might have resulted in a very different outcome if an automated external defibrillator had been on the premises.
In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 47, requiring AEDs in every public and chartered nonpublic school in the state, in addition to municipally owned or operated sports or recreation venues.
DeWine signed the bill at Worthington Kilbourne High School in Columbus, where he was joined by student-athlete Canen Dickman and his family. Dickman told the crowd his life was saved by an AED and the quick actions of his coach, after he collapsed from a sudden cardiac arrest during a summer soccer practice.
Among those praising the bill was National Football League safety Damar Hamlin. Hamlin, who grew up in McKees Rocks and played his college football at the University of Pittsburgh, suffered a cardiac arrest while making a tackle for the Buffalo Bills in a Jan. 2, 2023, game in Cincinnati.
"Today's bill-signing is a testament to leadership and teamwork, and I thank and applaud Gov. DeWine, the leaders of the Ohio Legislature, the bill sponsors and the many Smart Heart Sports Coalition team members who came together to move this life-saving legislation forward," Hamlin said. "I'll always consider Ohio my second home, and I'm delighted that this new law makes the places around the state where young people learn, play and compete safer, more resilient, and better prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency. This is a big win for young people throughout Ohio."
Founded in March 2023 in response to the life-saving emergency response and care provided to Hamlin after he experienced his cardiac arrest, the Smart Heart Sports Coalition is comprised of nearly 40 member organizations -- including major sports leagues and organizations as well as leading patient and health advocacy groups across the country -- that advocate for efforts to prevent fatalities from sudden cardiac arrest among student-athletes.
Ohio's legislation is an important requirement, but will mean little unless there is cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AED training to go along with installation of the devices. Teachers, coaches and administrators should receive the training, of course, but parents and volunteers also should consider being ready and able to help and use the devices if necessary.
Local teachers are given AED training opportunities, often as part of their summer continued education efforts. Funding support for training with a broader reach -- churches, gyms, sports venues, etc. -- must go along with required installation of the devices.
Being faced with what to do in such a frightening situation can be paralyzing.
Knowing the right equipment is available, and the right training has been received can make all the difference.
Bravo, to lawmakers who made HB 47 happen. Now it is up to those at schools and other required facilities to be sure its purpose is fulfilled.