The bill SF 1457 requires Minnesota school districts and charter schools to develop Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) by the 2026-2027 school year to improve responses to incidents of sudden cardiac arrest on school grounds or during school-sponsored events.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Requirements:

   • Schools must create a written emergency response plan following evidence-based guidelines (e.g., from the American Heart Association).
     
   • Schools must consult with athletic trainers in developing the plan.
     
   • The plan must be readily available online and in paper form at school sites.
     
   • The plan must be distributed to relevant staff, such as coaches, athletic personnel, and medical professionals.
     
   • Annual review, rehearsal, and necessary updates are required.
     

2. Plan Components:

   • Each school must identify a Cardiac Emergency Response Team responsible for handling cardiac incidents.
     
   • Clear response guidelines must be established.
     
   • Schools must have properly placed automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in accessible locations.
     
   • Schools must ensure CPR and AED training for coaches, assistant coaches, and other designated staff.
     
   • Schools must conduct a cardiac emergency simulation at least 30 days before each school year.
     
   • Clear protocols for post-emergency procedures (e.g., assisting emergency responders, documenting incidents).
     
   • Encourage cooperation with emergency medical personnel (e.g., EMTs, paramedics).
     

3. Training Requirements:

   • Schools must provide training to their Emergency Response Team on plan implementation.
     
   • Teams must certify to the school board that they completed simulation training annually.
     

4. Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Requirement:

   • The Minnesota State High School League (which governs interscholastic athletics) must adopt and enforce CERPs at its events.
     
   • A cardiac emergency response team must be present at each athletic event under MSHSL supervision.
     

5. Funding and Appropriation:

   • The bill appropriates $2 million from the state’s general fund to the Department of Education to assist schools in implementing their plans.
     
   • Funds can be used for AED purchases and maintenance, CPR equipment, training for school staff, and educational materials.
     
   • This is a one-time appropriation, available until June 30, 2027.
     

Purpose:

This legislation aims to ensure faster, coordinated responses to sudden cardiac emergencies to reduce fatalities in schools and at school-sponsored events.