ODH Releases Model AED Emergency Action Plan

Ninety percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims who receive a shock from an automated external defibrillator, or AED, within the first minute will survive.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States. An estimated 70-90% of these people die before reaching the hospital.

That's why having an AED available in Ohio public and chartered nonpublic schools, and certain sports and recreation locations, is so important - it is lifesaving.

October is Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month, and during this month, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) released its Model AED Emergency Action Plan in accordance with House Bill 47, which was signed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in July 2024.

"We are pleased to be able to offer this resource to Ohio schools and youth sports organizations," said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., MBA. "We hope it will support lifesaving first responses for people suffering from sudden cardiac arrest in their facilities."

House Bill 47 requires all public and chartered nonpublic schools, and certain sports and recreation locations, to place AEDs into their facilities, to adopt their own emergency action plan, and practice it at least quarterly.

ODH was also required to develop a model emergency action plan for the use of AEDs.

Effective Oct. 24, 2024, ODH's Model AED Emergency Action Plan may be used by schools and certain sports and recreation locations to satisfy requirements of House Bill 47.

Alternatively, an entity may adopt other emergency action plans for the use of AEDs. The ODH plan includes recommendations on the use of AEDs. For more information and to download the plan, visit ODH's Model AED Emergency Action Plan webpage.