Rhode Island middle and high schools will have to pair access to defibrillators with written plans for responding to cardiac emergencies beginning in the 2027-28 school year under a law Gov. Dan McKee signed June 10.
The legislation covers public and private schools. The Oct. 15 event in West Warwick was a ceremonial signing.
The law requires cardiac emergency response plans addressing how school personnel should act when someone suffers cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency on school grounds. Separate athletic plans must address practices and events at each venue.
An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is a portable device that can deliver a shock to help restore a normal heart rhythm during certain cardiac emergencies. The plans address where devices are placed, how they are maintained and which staff members are trained to use them and perform CPR.
The enacted law starts the new school and athletic planning requirements in the 2027-28 school year. It calls for athletic plans to be posted, distributed and rehearsed each year.
The measure was sponsored by Rep. Thomas Noret and Sen. David Tikoian. The plans are intended to coordinate care until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Sources: Governor's ceremony announcement and linked legislation; Enacted Public Law Chapter 036.