Smart Heart Sports Coalition
Last year, HRS joined the Smart Heart Sports Coalition to advocate for the implementation of three best practice policies to prevent death from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
Legislative Updates
The coalition is advocating on implementing these three best practice policies to prevent death from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA):
- Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for each high school athletic venue that are widely distributed, posted, rehearsed, and updated annually;
- Clearly marked automated external defibrillator (AEDs) at each athletic venue or within 1-3 minutes of each venue where high school practices or competitions are held; and,
- CPR and AED education for coaches.
Legislatures in Florida, Tennessee, and West Virginia recently passed legislation resulting in these states having all three policies in place to respond in the event of SCA. While this marks progress, two-thirds of states are still underprepared to respond to a SCA event. The Smart Heart Sports Coalition is committed to ensuring all states act so all student athletes have access to life-saving care.