This bill amends existing Florida law regarding cardiac emergencies in schools by revising the requirements for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instruction and establishing a new mandate for public schools to develop a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP). Specifically, it updates section 1003.453 to require that CPR instruction for students in grades 9 and 11 be based on a nationally recognized program that incorporates current emergency cardiovascular care guidelines. The previous requirement that CPR instruction only be provided when a school district has the necessary equipment has been removed.

Additionally, the bill creates section 1003.457, which mandates that each public school develop a CERP to effectively respond to incidents of sudden cardiac arrest or similar emergencies on school grounds. Schools are required to collaborate with local emergency service providers to ensure that their CERP aligns with community emergency responder protocols. The CERP must include guidelines for the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and ensure that appropriate school staff receive training in first aid, CPR, and AED use, following evidence-based standards set by the American Heart Association. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 104 Filed: 1003.453