DETROIT, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – During the NFL draft at the end of April, Governor Gretchen Whitmer took a significant step in ensuring the safety of student athletes by signing two bipartisan bills into law at the Corner Ballpark in Corktown, a neighborhood in Detroit.

High school coaches will be mandated to learn CPR and AED use.

These bills are aimed to enhance the protection of student athletes during sports activities by mandating that all high school coaches maintain valid certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use. Additionally, the legislation requires schools to have a cardiac emergency response plan in place for quick action in case of a cardiac issue.

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Cardiac arrest is a critical condition where the heart stops effectively pumping blood to vital organs. According to the American Heart Association, the presence of AEDs in schools significantly improves survival rates during cardiac arrest incidents.

What the governor has to say about the legislation.

“All children should be safe when they participate in school sports,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, I am proud to sign commonsense, bipartisan bills that will require coaches to be trained in CPR and AED use and ensure all public and private schools have a plan in the event of an on-field medical emergency and practice it. By taking proactive measures, we can keep our kids safe while they play.”

She went on to say, “Sports are a fundamental part of who we are in Michigan. It’s a fundamental part of life, it brings us together, it teaches us important lessons, but it also can be dangerous, and that’s why we are taking these steps to mitigate the likelihood that (the loss of life from a cardiac emergency) happens to people as they are participating in sports.”

Legislators chime in about the bills.

Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit) also said about the bills, “We’re doing something to tackle sudden cardiac arrest. The swift passage and signing of the AED legislation is one more way we’re showing Michiganders that we hear them. We are delivering on the promises made to improve the overall public safety and well-being of students, staff and visitors in our schools.”

What is mandated in the legislation?

The legislation includes House Bill 5527, sponsored by Representative John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), which modifies requirements for implementing a cardiac emergency response plan in all schools. State Representative Fitzgerald expressed, “Today is another big step in our ongoing work to keep people safe across Michigan. With the signing of House Bills 5527 and 5528, we’re ensuring that every school has the tools and the knowledge needed to save those suffering from a cardiac emergency.”

House Bill 5528, sponsored by state Representative Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), mandates that any high school athletic coach, whether in public or private schools, must maintain CPR and AED certification from recognized organizations like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

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Representative Carter stated, “Sudden cardiac arrest impacts victims of all ages, races and genders, including those who are entirely healthy and have expressed no prior signs or symptoms – that’s what makes SCA such a serious issue. It can happen to anyone, anywhere and without warning. The training and use of AED in schools across the state will help us be proactive in case of an emergency. I’m thankful for the swift action on signing this important legislation into law.”

State Senator discusses personal experience with the loss of someone from cardiac arrest.

State Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee, emphasized the importance of AED accessibility in schools, citing a personal experience. He remarked, “Growing up, we lost a tennis player at my high school from cardiac arrest, and I saw the impact that had on his family, fellow classmates and the entire community. An AED can mean the difference between life and tragedy, and having these devices accessible at every Michigan school will help ensure our educational institutions are equipped to safeguard the health of students.”

Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, who survived cardiac arrest during an NFL game in January of 2023, has become an advocate for student athlete safety. He joined Governor Whitmer at the bill signing ceremony and generously donated 50 AEDs to Michigan schools, furthering the initiative to protect student athletes.

The legislation will go into effect with the 2025-26 school year.