SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House unanimously passed a plan Friday to require school districts to develop cardiac emergency response plans. 

This comes as the state saw 109 cardiac events involving students under 18 during 2022 alone. 

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The proposal could require school districts to work with local paramedics to create an evidence-based plan to use AEDs in case of a cardiac event. 

Sponsors said the cardiac response plan should be available on every school website and in paper form throughout schools.

"The creation of these plans will use evidence-based best practices for the placement of AEDs, which will save lives and provide significantly better outcomes for students and staff who experience cardiac events while on school grounds," said Rep. Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake).

Schools would be required to identify where AEDs are located on the property and include guidelines for how to use the equipment properly. Coaches, assistant coaches and other school staff could also be trained on using AEDs. 

Illinois cardiac arrest bill

Moline High School student Maddox McCubbin tells lawmakers how he survived sudden cardiac arrest due to quick action by a school nurse last year.

"With the passage of House Bill 5394, more than 20% of our state population that walks through the doors of thousands of schools each day - including students, teachers, administrators and support staff - will be equipped to act in a cardiac emergency," said Lauren Peters from the American Heart Association. "They'll also have the knowledge that if they ever find themselves in need of help, no matter where they turn, they're in good hands."

House Bill 5394 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn on May 24.

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