Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, the District will maintain a cardiac emergency plan (“Plan”).  The “Plan” provides for the use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency while on school premises.

The District’s administration will coordinate with local emergency service providers in order to integrate the District’s “Plan” into the local service providers protocols.  The District’s “Plan” will integrate evidence-based elements such as those recommended by the American Heart Association.

Cardiac Emergency Response Plan

The Plan will integrate the following core elements:

1. Creation of a cardiac response team.
2. Activation of the team in response to a sudden cardiac arrest.
3. Implementation of an automated external defibrillator (“AED”) where the General Assembly appropriates funds for AEDs or where the District voluntarily obtains funds for such purchase.
4. Dissemination of the Plan among the District’s staff.
5. Maintenance of ongoing staff training in CPR and AED use, where AED training is appropriate.
6. Annual cardiac responses plan implementation drills.
7. Integration of the Plan into the protocols of local emergency services providers.
8. Continuous review and evaluation of the Plan.
9. Registration, where otherwise appropriate a provide din this Policy, of all AEDs with Missouri 911 Servies Board Registry.

AED Placement

Where the District obtains an AED(s) as provided in this Policy, such devices will be placed as provided in the Plan and as consistent with the American Heart Association guidelines. However, when and if AEDs are obtained by the District, such device(s) will be accessible at each District athletic venue and event.  AEDs will be identified with appropriate signage and available in unlocked locations. Moreover, AEDs will be accessible at all school-sponsored athletic events and team practices.  The District will make best effort to provide AEDs in locations accessible within three (3) minutes of a cardiac arrest incident.

Staff Certification

School personnel who will be certified in first aid, CPR and AED use will be identified in the District’s Plan.  Such certified staff members will include athletic trainers, athletic coaches and school nurses. The certification process will be consistent with the guidelines of the American Heart Association.

Definitions

For purposes of this Policy, the following definitions will apply:

"School-sponsored event", any event or activity sponsored by the public school or school district including, but not limited to, athletic events, booster clubs, parent­teacher organizations, or any activity designed to enhance the school curriculum whether on the school campus or not.

"Sudden cardiac arrest", a condition that occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly.

 "Automated external defibrillator" or "AED", a lightweight, portable device that:

1. Is used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart.
2. Has built-in computers within the device to assess the patient's heart rhythm, determine whether defibrillation.
3. Has audible or visual prompts, or both, to guide the user through the process.
4. Has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of its pre-market modification filed under 21 U.S.C. Section 360(k), as amended.

“Cardiopulmonary resuscitation" or "CPR", a combination of rescue breathing, chest compressions, and external cardiac massage used to sustain an individual's life until advanced assistance arrives.

"Defibrillation", administering an electrical impulse to an individual's heart in order to stop ventricular fibrillation or rapid ventricular tachycardia.

"Emergency services provider", any public employer, or ground or air ambulance service as those terms are used in chapter 190, that employs persons to provide firefighting, dispatching services, and emergency medical services.

 "Extracurricular event", any school-sponsored program or voluntary activity sponsored by the school, local education agency, or an organization sanctioned by the local education agency at which students compete for the purpose of:

1. Receiving an award, rating, recognition, or criticism;
2. Qualifying for additional competition; or
3. Preparing for an involvement in public performances, contests, athletic competitions, demonstrations, displays, and club activities.