Illinois could require school coaches obtain certification in CPR, first aid, AEDs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers could pass a plan this spring to expand a recent law requiring school districts to develop cardiac emergency response plans.

The law required school districts to work with local paramedics to create evidence-based plans to use AEDs in case of cardiac events.

Now, lawmakers are calling on interscholastic athletic associations to require coaches obtain certification in CPR, first aid and the use of AEDs.

"The response plan would also include the use of annual cardiac response drills to practice the steps established in the cardiac emergency response plan," said Rep. Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake).

The proposal requires schools to establish cardiac emergency response teams as well.

House Bill 3275 passed out of the House Education Policy Committee on a partisan 9-4 vote. The legislation could be heard on second reading in the House next week.