LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The MI HEARTSafe School program is offering schools a virtual workshop on January 24th to teach schools about the importance of cardiac emergency preparedness and the available tools and resources to help them respond to cardiac emergencies.

With approximately 300 Michigan children and young adults under the age of 40 dying of cardiac arrest every year, fast-acting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) prior to emergency medical services (EMS) arrival is critical for best possible outcomes. (These deaths do not include ones that occur due to drugs, trauma, suicide, homicide, or long illness.)

The program teaches how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and respond quickly by calling 911 and using CPR and AED before EMS arrives.

The program is supported by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Dept. of Education (MDE), American Heart Association, Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) and the Michigan Alliance for Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young.

Over their nine-year history, the program has certified 713 schools and aims to expand the program to rural areas and at-risk populations. About 124 schools get certified every year.

Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive, says, “Preparation is key to ensuring positive outcomes during cardiac emergencies. Swift action paired with access to life-saving equipment and training saves lives. Having schools trained for cardiac emergencies can help decrease the number of tragedies and prepare school employees to respond in a timely manner and avert what could be a life-threatening situation. We encourage all schools to apply for a HEARTSafe certification.”

With the many cardiac events of young people in the media lately, many of them while playing sports, this program is a very timely and needed opportunity for schools. The program will help put in place a written medical emergency response plan with a team that can respond to an emergency during school hours and after-school activities and sports.

When the schools complete the program, they will have at least 10% of the staff and 50% of the coaches, including 100% of the head varsity coaches and physical education staff, CPR/AED certified.