Texas Advocates Urging Schools to Implement Lifesaving Cardiac Response Plans

Advocates Rally for Cardiac Emergency Preparedness in Texas Schools

In a significant display of community spirit and urgency, nearly 100 advocates, survivors, and officials converged at the Texas State Capitol on February 20, 2025. Their mission? To garner support for the establishment of Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERP) across all public schools in Texas. Organized by the American Heart Association, the rally emphasized the essential need for policies that can save lives, particularly in light of Heart Month.

Cardiac arrest is a critical health issue in the United States, with over 356,000 incidents occurring outside of hospitals each year. Tragically, 90% of these cases result in death if immediate assistance is not provided. Alarmingly, around 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest annually, and schools are often the venues for these emergencies, whether during sports events, concerts, or other gatherings.

To address this pressing need, the American Heart Association is insisting that Texas legislators approve a policy that mandates schools have a thorough, practiced plan in place for cardiac emergencies. Such plans are not only lifesaving but also align with the Association's broader Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative aimed at doubling the survival rate from cardiac arrest by 2030.

During the rally, participants clad in red signs and clothing braved cold weather to promote the message that having a CERP is critical for the safety of students and the community. Alec Puente, the State Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association’s advocacy team in Texas, articulately conveyed, "Having plans in place to quickly activate during a cardiac event saves lives. When we have practiced CPR, know to call 911, and know where the nearest AED is located, more people will survive a cardiac arrest."

Statistics indicate that out of the 23,000 children experiencing cardiac arrest each year, approximately 40% of these incidents are sports-related, highlighting the importance of schools being prepared to act swiftly and effectively in emergencies. Properly administered CPR within the critical moments post-arrest can double or even triple a victim's chances of survival. In schools equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), the survival rate skyrockets to around 70%, compared to just one in ten in other locations.

Many school districts may not be aware that a CERP can either function as an independent protocol or be incorporated into existing medical emergency plans. As of 2024, the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District became the largest district in Texas to partner with the American Heart Association to adopt a comprehensive district-wide CERP for its 22,000 students.

The need for immediate action is paramount, as Texas continues to prioritize CPR training among its graduation requirements, yet many districts lack specific laws mandating a CERP in schools. The American Heart Association strongly encourages teachers, parents, students, and healthcare professionals to reach out to their local Legislators, Commissioners, and School Board members to communicate that establishing these lifesaving plans is a community priority.

To get involved or to learn more about the CERP initiative, visit yourethecure.org/nationoflifesavers or text "LIFESAVERS" to 46839. The call to action is clear: we must ensure that our schools are prepared to save lives through effective cardiac emergency response plans.

In conclusion, the emphasis on the need for Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Texas schools cannot be overstated. With the right frameworks in place, we can dramatically increase survival rates, protect our children, and strengthen our communities. Through collaboration and advocacy, our schools can become safer environments for all.