The HEARTS Act H.R.6829, What to Know, and What to Do (Article)

H.R.6829

The HEARTS Act H.R.6829, What to Know, and What to Do

The unanimous passage of the HEARTS Act by both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives represents a major milestone in public health and safety. With the President's signature, the HEARTS Act will become law, solidifying efforts to improve survival rates from cardiac arrest, particularly among children. This legislation represents a transformative step toward creating a "Nation of Lifesavers."

The Urgent Need for the HEARTS Act

Cardiac arrest continues to be a critical concern in America, especially among youth:

  • 23,000 youths suffer from cardiac arrest each year.
  • The survival rate of cardiac arrest outside of a hospital remains at only 10% today.
  • Early intervention matters. Research has demonstrated that by initiating CPR and using an AED quickly, the odds of survival increase exponentially.

Key Provisions of the HEARTS Act

The HEARTS Act empowers school districts with resources and best practices to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies in schools. The new law will allow schools to provide:

  • CPR and AED Training: Students, staff, and coaches will receive this vital lifesaving education.
  • Obtain AEDs and Equipment: Schools will have appropriate AEDs and accompanying equipment to handle cardiac emergencies.
  • Create Cardiac Emergency Response Plans: Schools will be required to put in place a course of action to expedite treatment during cardiac emergencies.

The Impact of Cardiac Emergency Response Plans

Cardiac Emergency Response Plans have been shown to increase the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims by more than two times. In schools with AEDs and response plans in place:

  • 70% of children survive cardiac arrest, compared with a national average for children of one in seven.
  • This represents a very real difference preparedness, training, and equipment availability can make in schools.

Benefits of the HEARTS Act

  • Increased Survival Rates: The HEARTS Act will increase survival rates at schools by equipping them with AEDs and training programs in cardiac emergencies.
  • Empowered Communities: Students, educators, and coaches will learn lifesaving skills, promoting a culture of preparedness.
  • Support for Families: The legislation will bring peace of mind to families by knowing that schools are ready to respond in cardiac emergencies.

Actionable Steps for School Districts

To improve their Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) and AED program management, school districts can take the following steps:

  • Conduct a Needs Assessment
  • Identify the current availability of AEDs across all school facilities.
  • Evaluate gaps in CPR/AED training for staff, students, and coaches.
  • Assess emergency response protocols to ensure they align with best practices.
  • Develop and Implement a Comprehensive CERP
  • Form a Cardiac Emergency Response Team comprised of school nurses, athletic staff, administrators, and other key personnel involved directly or indirectly with students' daily activities.
  • Outline specific roles and responsibilities of all responders in the event of an emergency.
  • Establish timelines for response to ensure timely deployment of AEDs and delivery of CPR.
  • Invest in AED Equipment and Maintenance
  • Purchase AEDs for placement in all gyms, sports fields, auditoriums, and cafeterias.
  • Develop a maintenance plan to periodically check the functionality of AEDs, battery life, and supplies of pads.
  • Ensure AEDs are easily accessible and clearly marked with signage throughout facilities.
  • Provide Regular Training and Drills
  • Institute programs for CPR and AED training for staff, students, and sports coaches.
  • Schedule refresher courses annually to maintain proficiency.
  • Conduct regular cardiac emergency drills to practice response times and improve preparedness.
  • Create Awareness and Communication Plans
  • Educate students and parents regarding the lifesaving skills of CPR and AEDs.
  • Clearly explain the location of AEDs in school facilities and share emergency response protocols with all stakeholders.
  • Promote awareness campaigns to foster a culture of preparedness in the school community.
  • Collaborate with Local Emergency Services
  • Partner with EMS, fire departments, and healthcare providers for training and assistance.
  • Share the emergency response plans with local first responders to ensure complete coordination in case of any incident.
  • Tracking and Evaluation of Progress
  • Periodically update and revise CERPs from the results of drills and real incidents.
  • Monitor AED use, training completion rates, and preparedness metrics.
  • Provide an annual report to school leaders and the community on program improvements and achievements.


The HEARTS Act is a landmark leap toward decreasing cardiac arrest deaths and creating a more ready and resilient nation. By equipping schools with the resources and knowledge necessary, this legislation will ensure that every child has a better opportunity for survival in case of a cardiac emergency.

With concrete steps like improving AED program management, periodic training, and planning for emergency responses, school districts can considerably enhance their life-saving potential in an emergency.

If you have questions regarding how we can assist your facility or agency, contact us at: +1 (800) 674-3655 or info@avobus.com

To read the entire bill, you can read it here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6829/text