Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Schools

Utah schools must prepare for cardiac emergencies

The law takes effect July 1, 2026. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, each school within a Utah local education agency must develop an evidence-based cardiac emergency plan. Plans must include signed, unlocked automated external defibrillators (AEDs), placed under emergency heart-care guidelines and reachable for use within three minutes. Schools must designate staff for training in first aid, CPR, and AED use under evidence-based guidelines. School systems must test and maintain AEDs under manufacturer guidelines and tell emergency services their type and location. The law provides $200,000 in one-time fiscal year 2027 funding from the Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account for state education contracts and grants. Subject to legislative funding, grants go to school systems showing need, first-come, first-served, with priority for high-needs schools. These are Title I schools or schools where more than 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Grants support AED purchases, pads, batteries, maintenance, CPR kits, staff CPR and first-aid training, and educational materials. School systems can also accept gifts, grants, and in-kind donations for FDA-standard AEDs, inspections, maintenance, and staff training. The State Board of Education can set grant application, distribution, and compliance-monitoring rules.