Rep. Brown gives sponsor testimony on HB 426, to require AEDs in schools and recreational facilities

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Richard D. Brown (D-Canal Winchester) today provided sponsor testimony in Primary and Secondary Education Committee on his legislation, House Bill (HB) 426, which requires automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) to be placed in schools and public recreational facilities.

“It’s important that all schools and facilities where our children are participating in physical activity and sports be equipped with an AED,” said Rep. Brown. “These devices are safe, easy to operate, and accurate. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) affects nearly 350,000 Americans a year, with only a third receiving timely treatment from CPR or an AED. By passing this legislation, we are going to save lives of students across the state.”

An AED is a device that analyzes heart rate and calculates what electric shock level, if any, is needed to establish a consistent working rhythm in the heart of the person suffering from SCA. 

SCA is the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes. SCA can be effectively treated if an AED is utilized within five minutes of the incident occurring. According to a study in the Journal of Athletic Training, “the best way to prevent death from SCA is early defibrillation and survival declines by 7-10% for each minute that defibrillation is delayed.” SCA affects nearly 350,000 Americans a year, with only a third receiving timely treatment from CPR or an AED.

HB 426 modifies 10 existing sections of the Ohio Revised Code and enacts new section 3701.851. The bill primarily requires the placement of AEDs in each public school, chartered non-public school, community schools, STEM schools, and college-prep boarding schools. It also requires the placement of AEDs in each public recreational facility.