Michigan schools await funding to implement new cardiac arrest law

Michigan schools await funding to implement new cardiac arrest law

Districts do not have to follow the news law unless the legislature provides funding.

News 10 is making an impact by working to improve survival rates for cardiac arrest. Some new state laws have that same goal, specifically aimed at our schools.

However, districts do not have to follow one of the new laws unless the legislature provides funding.

The new cardiac arrest laws are meant to take effect with the 2025-26 school year at both public and private schools. Districts will be required to create a cardiac emergency response plan, regularly train staff for CPR and AED use and much more.

“This is important, not just for athletes but also for any kids, any age, because it can happen to anyone. Normally, they’re healthy people that you wouldn’t expect it from,” said Alyssa Vermeulen, a University of Michigan Pediatric Cardiologist.

Health experts say the best way to prevent cardiac arrest deaths, is to be prepared for cardiac arrest to happen. That’s why all high school athletics coaches will now have to be trained in both lifesaving measures (CPR and AED) for the 2025-26 school year.

“The legislation is great; it complements what we’re already trying to promote,” said Geoff Kimmerly, a spokesperson for the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

It will also be required that districts regularly maintain their AED’s and place them in accessible locations. It’s recommended in the law that AEDs are within a one to three-minute reach of cardiac emergencies.

School districts do not have to follow the new laws unless funding is provided, but one of the bill’s sponsors says the budget should be ready by the fourth of July.

“Knowing that these funds might be coming, it allows schools to budget. They could purchase these devices knowing that they’re going to be paid back during that fiscal year. We do see that 95% of schools are already in compliance with this, now what this is gonna do is fill that gap,” said Rep. John Fitzgerald, a Democrat representing the Wyoming area. Fitzgerald sponsored House Bill 5527, which is now Public Act 36 of 2024.

Filling the 5% gap, ensuring that all Michigan students have a safe place to play and learn.

To help Mid-Michigan prepare for cardiac arrest events, tune into our telethon on Thursday. News 10 will be raising money for the local non-profit Champions of the Heart, which provides free CPR and AED training and AEDs across Mid-Michigan.