The bill amends West Virginia Code §18-5-22e to expand cardiac emergency response provisions to include elementary schools. It mandates that schools develop venue-specific cardiac emergency response plans that must be practiced annually. These plans should address the appropriate use of school personnel in responding to incidents of sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergencies occurring on school grounds, even outside of athletic events. Additionally, the bill imposes requirements on coaches and personnel supervising youth sports league teams that practice or play on school grounds, ensuring they are trained and aware of the cardiac emergency response plan and the location of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Key provisions include the requirement for schools to hold informational meetings about the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, the necessity for students to submit a signed form confirming they have reviewed the cardiac emergency response plan, and the stipulation that no student may participate in athletic activities without being evaluated and cleared if they exhibit syncope or fainting. The bill also emphasizes collaboration with local emergency service providers to integrate the cardiac response plan into community emergency protocols and allows county boards of education to accept donations for purchasing and maintaining AEDs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-5-22e
Committee Substitute: 18-5-22e
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 18-5-22e
Enrolled Version: 18-5-22e