Virginia Schools Now Required to Have Cardiac Emergency Plans—Could This Save Lives?

Following a recent legislative push, all public and private schools across Virginia must now develop and implement a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) to address sudden cardiac incidents among students and staff. The mandate aims to improve emergency preparedness in schools, where rapid response to cardiac events can mean the difference between life and death.

Why This Change Matters

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death among student-athletes and young adults in the U.S. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 7,000 children suffer from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually, with survival rates remaining shockingly low without immediate intervention.

Virginia's new requirement mandates that schools:

• Develop a written CERP tailored to their facility
• Train staff and students in CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) use
• Conduct annual drills to test emergency readiness
• Clearly post emergency protocols in high-traffic areas
• Establish a communication system for rapid response

The Push for Change

The legislation, backed by bipartisan support, was influenced by tragic incidents in Virginia schools where delayed responses exacerbated cardiac emergencies. Advocates argue that structured emergency plans—combined with accessible AEDs—can double or even triple survival rates.

“Every second counts in a cardiac emergency,” said State Senator Bill DeSteph, a key proponent of the bill. “This isn’t just about athletes—it’s about protecting every student, teacher, and visitor in our schools.”

Challenges Ahead

While the policy has been widely praised, some school administrators express concerns over implementation costs, including:

1. Funding for AEDs—which can cost $1,200–$2,500 per unit
2. Ongoing staff training expenses
3. Logistical hurdles in older school buildings

Supporters counter that grants and partnerships with medical organizations can help offset expenses. “This is an investment in saving lives,” said Dr. Monica Kleinman, a pediatric emergency specialist. “The cost of inaction is far greater.”

What Other States Are Doing

Virginia joins at least 18 other states with similar cardiac emergency requirements for schools. States like Ohio and Texas have reported higher survival rates after implementing CERPs, reinforcing the potential impact of Virginia’s mandate.

What Do You Think?

• Should schools bear the financial burden of cardiac emergency plans, or should state/federal funding cover it?
• Is CPR/AED training more critical than active shooter drills in today’s schools?
• Would you support a tax increase to fund AEDs in every classroom?
• Could this policy unintentionally create liability risks for schools if they fail to respond perfectly?
• Should private schools without state funding be held to the same standard as public schools?