This bill amends existing Florida law regarding cardiac emergencies in public schools by revising the requirements for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instruction and establishing a new mandate for schools to develop a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP). Specifically, it requires school districts to provide CPR training once in middle school and once in high school, allowing students to practice the necessary skills and including the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill also mandates that each public school, including charter schools, must have at least one operational AED on school grounds by July 1, 2027, and outlines the requirements for the placement, maintenance, and training of staff in the use of these devices.

Additionally, the bill provides immunity from liability for school employees and volunteers who use AEDs in emergencies, aligning with the Good Samaritan Act and the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act. It requires school officials to collaborate with local emergency service providers to ensure the CERP is integrated into community emergency protocols. The State Board of Education is tasked with adopting rules to implement these provisions, which aim to enhance the preparedness of schools in responding to cardiac emergencies. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 430 c1: 1003.453