MADISON — Representative Alex Joers (D-Waunakee) applauded the passage of Assembly Bill 362, bipartisan legislation he co-authored to ensure schools across the state are prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to cardiac emergencies. Rep. Joers also emphasized that the next critical step is securing sustainable funding to ensure every school has access to life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Each year in the United States, more than 300,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, and survival rates remain alarmingly low around 10 percent. This includes over 23,000 children under the age of 18, with approximately 40 percent of youth cardiac arrests occurring during sports-related activities.
“Cardiac arrest strikes suddenly and without warning, and survival depends on immediate action,” said Rep. Joers. “This legislation endorses what needs to happen in the first few minutes of an emergency: calling 9-1-1, starting CPR, and using an AED can mean the difference between life and death.”
Schools are the heart of our communities, hosting students, staff, families, and community members for classes, athletic events, and other activities. This legislation ensures schools are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies on school property both during and after instructional hours.
“Passing this legislation is a major milestone but it is not the finish line,” Rep. Joers added. “The next steps are clear: first, this legislation must pass the State Senate, then be signed by the Governor. Moving forward, we also need the essential funding to ensure that every school, regardless of size or location, has access to AEDs. Every child, educator, and community member deserve the best chance of surviving a cardiac emergency.”
