The proposed bill mandates that starting in the 2026-27 school year, each school district in Washington must develop a comprehensive cardiac emergency response plan for every school and athletic facility within the district. This plan is designed to prepare for potential cardiac arrest incidents involving students, staff, and attendees during school activities. The bill outlines specific requirements for these plans, including the formation of a cardiac emergency response team, procedures for activating this team during emergencies, and the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at designated locations on campus. Additionally, the plans must incorporate regular training for staff in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and AED use, as well as annual rehearsals of the response plan.
Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration with local emergency service providers to ensure that the cardiac emergency response plans are integrated into the community's emergency protocols. Each school is required to review and update its response plan annually, ensuring that it remains effective and aligned with evidence-based guidelines from organizations such as the American Heart Association. The legislation also stipulates that AEDs must be easily accessible, clearly marked, and maintained according to operational guidelines, with local emergency services informed of their locations.