Federal Grant to Bring AEDs to Schools

WASHINGTON --

A bill to allow schools access to life-saving defibrillators was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday.

The Josh Miller HEARTS Act, or H.R. 1380, will establish a federal grant program that will enable elementary and secondary schools across the nation to access automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH) is sponsoring the bill. The legislation will be introduced later this week in the Senate by Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH).

The legislation is named in memory of Josh Miller, a 15-year-old student from Sutton’s hometown of Barberton, Ohio. Miller suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a high school football game. Although he had never shown any symptoms of heart problems, he collapsed shortly after he left the football field. By the time paramedics arrived, it was too late to save Miller.

AEDs are portable medical devices that have been deployed in many public areas. CPR combined with early defibrillation using an AED more than doubles the odds of survival. Quick access to AEDs is crucial, as the odds of survival for a person suffering from sudden cardiac arrest decrease seven to ten percent for every minute that passes without treatment.

"Like Josh, the vast majority of individuals who suffer sudden cardiac arrest do not display any prior signs of heart trouble, so immediate access to an AED is absolutely crucial in saving lives," Sutton said. "I am pleased to report that Ohio Senator George Voinovich will be leading the charge in the Senate, and Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown will work with him to ensure its passage," Sutton said.

This bill is endorsed by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, among other organizations.

"There is no greater feeling of hopelessness than to see a child pass away before your eyes when there is nothing you can do," said Ken Miller, Josh's father. "I trust the bill will save a lot of Americans heartache that is just unnecessary. If there is a chance to save these children, we must do something,” said Miller.

Schools receiving these grants must certify that five adults at the school have been trained in CPR and AED use, and they must also coordinate with the local paramedics and other emergency personnel to ensure those suffering from sudden cardiac arrest can have the quickest possible access to care.

Its passage this week coincides with National CPR and AED Awareness Week.

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