HB1398
To Require Schools To Support, Establish, And Implement A Cardiac Emergency Response Plan That Integrates Nationally Recognized Elements.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill mandates that all schools in Arkansas develop, establish, and implement a comprehensive Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. This plan must integrate nationally recognized core elements for responding to sudden cardiac arrest and similar life-threatening emergencies on school grounds. Key components include establishing a cardiac emergency response team, ensuring the availability and accessibility of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) with proper signage and maintenance, and requiring their use within three minutes of an incident. The plan also mandates ongoing staff training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED usage, guided by nationally recognized organizations. Furthermore, schools must conduct annual practice drills, integrate local emergency medical services into their plans, and establish procedures for reviewing and evaluating the plan's effectiveness. The Department of Education may monitor school adherence to these requirements. Schools are given until the 2026-2027 school year to incorporate these measures into their emergency operations plans.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are students and staff within Arkansas schools. By requiring the development and implementation of a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, the bill aims to improve the chances of survival for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergencies while on school property. This includes students participating in athletic activities, cheerleading, and other school-sponsored or affiliated sports, as well as any other individual present on school grounds. The bill's provisions for readily accessible AEDs, trained personnel, and integrated emergency services are intended to provide a more immediate and effective response during critical medical events.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary entities that would be negatively impacted are the schools themselves, due to the new mandates and associated responsibilities. Schools will incur costs related to the purchase, maintenance, and placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), as well as the cost of ongoing staff training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED usage. Developing and implementing a new emergency response plan, conducting annual drills, and integrating with local emergency medical services will require additional staff time and resources. While the bill provides a deadline for incorporation into the next scheduled revision of emergency operations plans, schools will still need to allocate resources to meet these new requirements, potentially diverting funds or personnel from other areas.