In January 2023, the sports world held its breath as Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field due to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) during a primetime NFL game. His life was saved through swift action and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and fortunately, this tragedy was averted. But it also highlighted a critical issue: students and other athletes should receive the same level of care and, hopefully, similar outcomes as Damar. The incident prompted widespread calls for action to ensure that schools, workplaces, and public spaces are equipped with the necessary life-saving tools like AEDs, as well as staff who are trained to respond quickly in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest. From that, the Hearts Act was born.
In response to this urgent need, the HEARTS Act (Helping Ensure Access to Resuscitation Training and Support Act) was introduced. This federal legislation aims to improve the availability of AEDs in schools, workplaces, and public spaces, ensuring that more people are trained to act swiftly in the face of cardiac emergencies. While the HEARTS Act sets a federal standard, it works in harmony with state-specific AED laws, creating a coordinated approach that is more effective in saving lives.
The HEARTS Act: A Federal Push for AED Access and Training
At its core, the HEARTS Act is designed to make sure that every school, workplace, and public space has access to AEDs and the necessary training to use them. Specifically, the law aims to ensure the following:
- Access to AEDs: Schools, public spaces, and workplaces are required to have readily accessible AEDs.
- Training for Staff: Schools and workplaces must have staff trained in CPR and AED use.
- Post-Incident Protocols: Procedures for responding to cardiac emergencies, including clear guidelines for activating emergency services, must be established.
The HEARTS Act also offers incentives to schools to implement and maintain these programs, which include financial support and resources to ensure compliance with the legislation.
How the HEARTS Act Integrates with State-Specific AED Requirements
While the HEARTS Act establishes federal guidelines, the implementation of AED laws can vary by state. In fact, many states already have their own AED laws that complement the HEARTS Act, ensuring that regulations are tailored to local needs. This creates a dual system, where federal law sets the minimum standard, and state laws can add specific requirements based on their individual circumstances.
By harmonizing the federal and state regulations, we ensure that AEDs are not only more accessible, but that schools, businesses, and public spaces are equipped with the knowledge and resources to save lives in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
Key Dates and Deadlines for Compliance
2025: Core Requirements for Schools and Workplaces
- By January 2025, schools, public spaces, and workplaces will be required to ensure that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are readily available and accessible in high-risk areas such as gymnasiums, athletic fields, and other spaces where physical activity occurs.
- Staff Training Deadline: Schools and workplaces must have at least one person who is trained in CPR and AED use available on-site during all activities. This includes physical education classes, sporting events, and other high-risk activities.
- Compliance Requirement: Schools and employers will need to ensure that they meet this deadline by creating a plan for staff training and AED placement. This may involve scheduling CPR and AED training sessions for faculty and employees, ensuring equipment is in working order, and establishing emergency protocols.
2026: Funding and Resource Allocation
- By 2026, the HEARTS Act requires the first round of federal funding to be allocated to schools that are in need of AEDs or training resources.
- Grant Opportunities: The federal government will offer grants to support AED acquisition and training programs, especially for schools in underfunded districts.
- Documentation: Schools must submit requests for funding, and compliance will involve demonstrating the need for AED equipment and ensuring the allocation of funds directly for this purpose. Detailed reports on the status of AED availability and staff readiness will be required as part of the grant application process.
By 2027: Full Compliance for Staff Training
- By 2027, full compliance with staff training for all schools and workplaces must be completed. This means that every staff member in high-risk environments (e.g., schools, fitness centers, and offices where employees engage in physical activity) must either be trained in CPR and AED use or designated personnel must be on-site at all times to handle a potential cardiac emergency.
- Mandatory Training Programs: Schools and businesses must develop a system to ensure that training is ongoing, with refresher courses every two years to maintain certification.
Ongoing Maintenance and Reporting:
- Ongoing Compliance: Schools, businesses, and public spaces will be required to provide annual reports detailing the maintenance status of AEDs, including the battery life and readiness of the devices.
- AED Inspections: AEDs must undergo regular checks to ensure that they are functional and up to date. These inspections may include testing the devices, ensuring that electrode pads are within their expiration dates, and verifying that the devices are properly stored in visible and easily accessible locations.
Working with Experts: Making Compliance Easier
While the deadlines and requirements set by the HEARTS Act may seem Challenging or even overwhelming, working with a consultant specializing in AED program design, implementation, and ongoing support can make the process much easier. Consultants can provide valuable guidance in setting up an AED program from scratch, ensuring that all legal and safety requirements are met, and offering ongoing support to ensure that your program stays compliant.
One such expert is DiPietro & Associates Inc., a leading provider of AED program support with over 25 years of experience. As one of the country’s premier providers of AED programs, DiPietro & Associates is uniquely positioned to assist schools, businesses, and public spaces in creating life-saving AED programs that meet both federal and state requirements. Their AED Navigator Regulatory Compliance Program is second to none in the industry, providing an easy-to-use, comprehensive solution for managing and monitoring AED compliance.
The AED Navigator is a cutting-edge program designed to streamline AED compliance and maintenance. This platform includes advanced Wi-Fi capabilities that support remote monitoring of AEDs, ensuring that they are always in working order, up-to-date, and ready for use when needed. With real-time monitoring, any issues with AED functionality, such as low battery life or expired pads, are immediately detected and flagged for attention. This allows for proactive management, minimizing dependance on manual checks and reducing the chances of non-compliance.
By working with DiPietro & Associates Inc., schools, workplaces, and public spaces can simplify their AED program management and ensure they meet all necessary compliance standards. The combination of expert guidance, a robust compliance program, and the latest technology gives organizations peace of mind, knowing that they’re prepared to save lives in the event of a cardiac emergency.
Moving Forward: A Heartfelt Call to Action
Damar Hamlin’s story is a testament to the life-saving power of timely intervention and the crucial role that AEDs play in these moments. His recovery was made possible by fast action, not just from medical professionals but from those nearby who knew how to use the equipment to save his life. In his dedication to SCA survival, Damar has teamed up with ZOLL Medical to promote AEDs and training in youth sports, promoting that Any One Can Help to save a life. These stories of youth SCA survivors are testimony to the cause behind the Hearts Act. Damar’s case and subsequent journey reminds us that, while we all hope never to face such a traumatic event, every community should be prepared, just as Damar’s teammates and medical staff were.
The HEARTS Act represents an important step toward ensuring that every school, workplace, and public space is equipped with the tools, training, and resources necessary to handle a sudden cardiac arrest situation. It aims to provide the same potential for life-saving intervention that Damar Hamlin experienced to all those who face cardiac emergencies.
Let’s work together to make sure that, in every corner of our communities, no one faces sudden cardiac arrest without the help they need. With the HEARTS Act and the expertise of consultants like DiPietro & Associates, we have the tools, the knowledge, and the opportunity to make sure that everyone has the chance to survive and recover—just as Damar Hamlin did.
