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State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105) today submitted testimony to the legislature’s Education Committee in strong support of Senate Bill: 1350 An Act Concerning the Availability of Automated External Defibrillators and Requiring Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Public Schools.

The measure, which includes concepts from HB 5893 originally proposed by Rep. Klarides-Ditria, will require boards of education to develop a cardiac emergency response plan for their schools to provide guidance during incidents of cardiac arrest.  It also establishes a grant program to help boards of education offset the costs of implementing the cardiac emergency response plan, including the costs to purchase and maintain automated external defibrillators and provide requisite training.

“In my work as a certified athletic trainer, I have seen how important it is to have a clear and well-funded emergency response plan to address cardiac emergencies in school,” Rep. Klarides-Ditria said. “Cardiac events are a real and devastating risk for young students and athletes, and having a proper response plan can save lives. In these stressful moments, every second matters and schools must be ready and prepared with the right training, equipment, and a coordinated plan for quick action.”

In her testimony, Rep. Klarides-Ditria noted that, unfortunately, not all schools have the resources they need to properly respond to emergencies, and proper funding is crucial to make sure schools can obtain the necessary equipment, keep it maintained, and ensure that all staff are trained for these situations.

This bill recognizes those limitations and aims to provide funding to ensure that every school can develop and implement a cardiac emergency response plan, she said.

“Passing Senate Bill 1350 will allow us to provide schools with the tools and resources they need to protect the health and well-being of all students,” Rep. Klarides-Ditria said. “I urge you to support Senate Bill 1350 and make cardiac emergency response plans a priority in our schools.”