What Your School Can Do About Sudden Cardiac Arrest

As students flood hallways this fall with fresh backpacks and sharpened pencils, most schools have their lesson plans and safety drills locked in place.  Schools are planning now for an energetic, organized and safe return to school in a few short weeks.  But how many schools are truly prepared for the kind of emergency that strikes without warning, and can take a precious life in minutes?

The Hidden Risk on Campus

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States overall, and the leading cause of death on school campuses.  And it isn’t just an “athlete problem.” It can strike any student or staff member- any place and at any time. When an SCA occurs, every second counts, and an AED used within 3–5 minutes can triple survival chances. Yet average emergency response takes 7–10 minutes. That delay is often the difference between life and tragedy.  While CPR can help ‘buy time’  by keeping blood flowing to vital organs, the only real cure for SCA victims is an immediate shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED).

About 85% of US high schools report having at least one AED on campus, according to according to a National Library of Medicine study in 2009 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3600927/).  That sounds reassuring, until you realize that one device is nowhere near enough to cover the myriad of activities and events happening across all campus locations.  What’s more, AEDs are often only placed indoors, far away from outdoor fields and practice areas, and usually locked inside the school after hours.

Even more alarming: estimates from AED manufacturers and distributors, state laws, and school district data suggest that fewer than 25% of schools have an AED placed outdoors in a weatherproof cabinet, with clear visibility and 24/7 access.  That means that countless students, faculty, and visitors face a deadly gap in protection.

What You Should Know

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen without warning signs and affects athletes and non-athletes alike.
• Each minute of delay in defibrillation reduces survival rates by about 10%.
• SCA is the leading natural cause of death on school campuses and in the U.S.
• A preventable loss leaves lifelong emotional scars on classmates, teachers, and families.

Key Questions to Ask Today

• Do you have accessible AEDs around the clock, both indoors and outside?
• Who is trained to act? Heart safety starts with a response plan. Do students, staff, coaches, and volunteers know what to do—and where to go—in the event of a cardiac emergency?
• Do you use technology to monitor your AEDs to ensure that they are present and always in working condition? Devices that are not monitored—battery dead, pads expired, location unknown—won’t save lives. At SaveHeart by Heart Nation, our monitored, weatherproof outdoor SaveHeart AED cabinets notify you if something goes wrong, so no one has to wonder if your equipment is ready when needed.

Legislation Is Increasing— But It’s Only Just Beginning

Forward-thinking states are beginning to lead the way:

• Indiana’s HB 1515 was signed into law in July 2025 and requires that schools have a cardiac emergency response plan for all events. The new legislation strengthens a version of Jake’s Law passed two years ago addressing the presence of AEDs at school events.
• Pennsylvania’s Senate Bill 475 passed the Senate in June 2025 and now heads to the house of Representatives for consideration. If passed, it will require schools to have an AED present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices, and to develop and rehearse emergency plans for cardiac incidents.
• Florida’s “Second Chance Act” was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in July 2025. This new law requires every public and charter school to have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on campus, and ensures both staff and students are trained to use it.

This is a great start, but it’s still just the beginning.  While these laws showcase best practices, most states still lack comprehensive mandates. Local leaders must fill the gaps today.

What YOU Can Start Doing Today

• Address budgeting head-on. Yes, your school budget is likely already finalized. But grants, partnerships, and community sponsorships can make heart safety possible this year, not next. SaveHeart by HeartNation also often helps to defray costs associated of Outdoor AED cabinets for local school and community initiatives- we hope that you’ll contact us for details.
• Create a heart-safe campus map. Make sure every student, staff member, and coach knows where to find AEDs and whether those locations are accessible 24/7. Use this map during ‘freshman’ orientation to showcase how your school prioritizes SCA response and the health and well being of its students, staff, and the community in geneal. Use any AED “gaps” as the foundation to plan for future AED placements.
• Review and rehearse emergency plans. Does your school have fire drills and tornado drills? Of course, as these are both important- and mandated.  But remember, SCA is the number one killer of students on school campuses. When cardiac arrest strikes, everyone needs to know what to do. Practice SCA response drills, post signage, and empower people to respond.
• Invest in Outdoor AED cabinets that offer all-weather protection, temperature regulation and 24×7 monitoring. AEDs only help when they’re highly visible, accessible and ready. SaveHeart provides monitored outdoor cabinets that remove the guesswork and ensure access at any time- day or night, during school hours and beyond.
• Engage your community. Parents, alumni, local businesses- they all want to protect kids. Invite them to support your school’s heart-safe initiative through fundraising, awareness, or direct sponsorship.

With over 30 years in the public safety, defibrillation, and resuscitation industries, SaveHeart partners with leading manufacturers, distributors, trainers, heart screening providers and not-for-profit organizations to eliminate unnecessary SCA death through greater AED access, awareness & lifesaving technology.  Together, we have supported hundreds of ground-breaking outdoor AED initiatives across the country.

Proudly made in the U.S.A, SaveHeart’s highly visible, all-weather, temperature regulated & smart monitored cabinets provide immediate access & 24×7 visibility to lifesaving AEDs, stop the bleed kits, Narcan and other emergency supplies. They are ideal for schools & universities, athletic fields and courts, parks, trails, municipalities, community recreation areas, beaches, marinas – and any outdoor locations where people gather.

If you’re a school leader, board member, or parent who believes no child should be lost to something preventable, contact us to start a discussion.  Our team walks with you every step of the way- from planning and funding to installation and training, with a pre-eminent focus on helping you make your school a beacon of safety and preparedness.