Madison, WI— Representative John Spiros (R-Marshfield) issued the following statement after the passage of Assembly Bill 362 in the Wisconsin State Assembly:
“Today, Assembly Bill 362 passed the Assembly on a unanimous vote,” Rep. Spiros said. “This common-sense bill will ensure schools are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies and it will help save lives.”
“Cardiac arrest strikes suddenly and without warning. What happens immediately following a cardiac arrest often determines whether a person lives or dies,” commented Rep. Spiros. AB 362 requires schools to develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) for cardiac emergencies that occur on school property and a CERP for cardiac emergencies that occur at school-sponsored athletic practices and competitions.
“AB 362 builds off the success of 2015 WI Act 390, the CPR in Schools bill. I was proud to be the author of 2015 WI Act 390 requiring schools to incorporate hands-on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and education on how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) into its health curriculums for students.”
In 2023, National Football League (NFL) Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed from a sudden cardiac arrest while playing Monday night football. Damar’s life was saved from staff using an AED and CPR. As a result, the NFL formed the Smart Hearts Sports Coalition. This coalition includes several major sports leagues and other leading organizations advocating on the prevention of fatal outcomes from a sudden cardiac arrest. “I am proud to have the support of the NFL, the Green Bay Packers, Inc., along with other members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition on this important initiative,” said Spiros. The bill is also supported by a broad array of groups including the American Heart Association.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrests each year outside of a hospital, and only 10% survive. This includes over 23,000 children under the age of 18, with about 40% of youth cardiac arrests being sports related.
The bill awaits approval in the Wisconsin State Senate before being sent to the Governor to be signed into law.
