Rep. McNally Co-Sponsored Legislation Requiring AEDs in Ohio Schools and Certain Recreational Facilities Passes Ohio House

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) yesterday announced the passage of House Bill (HB) 47, a bipartisan bill developed in response to the near fatal incident involving NFL player Damar Hamlin that will require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in Ohio schools.

“I’m sad that someone had to nearly lose their life for us to see these gaps in Ohio law,” said Rep. McNally, a co-sponsor of the legislation. “I’m relieved, though, that my colleagues brought forward this bill and I hope my counterparts in the other Chamber work quickly to get it passed and into Ohio law. It’s a common sense safety measure that should have been in place a long time ago.” 

Introduced by State Reps. Richard D. Brown (D-Canal Winchester) and Adam C. Bird (R-New Richmond), HB 47 will require all school districts, community schools, STEM schools, college-preparatory boarding schools, and chartered non-public schools to place an AED in each school under its control. It also requires municipal sports and recreation locations to place an AED in each location under its control.  

Schools and facilities must also provide training in the use of AEDs to teachers, principals, administrative employees, coaches, athletic trainers and other persons that supervise interscholastic athletics and any employee subject to in-service training requirements under continuing law. Furthermore, HB 47 requires each school and facility to adopt an emergency action plan for the use of AEDs. Player for the Cleveland Browns, Denzel Ward, was also in attendance at the Ohio Statehouse on June 14th to see the passage of the bill in the Ohio House.

“Ohioans made it very clear during the hearings on HB 47: they want to see this become the law of the state. I never want another parent to worry about whether this could happen to their child,” said Rep. McNally. “This legislation will save lives and is not costly to implement. I’m proud to co-sponsor this important work.”

According to the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the chances of survival from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) decrease by 7-10% for each minute without immediate CPR or defibrillation, and after 10 minutes, resuscitation rarely succeeds. Having an AED on sight allows a trained staff member to begin resuscitation and increases the chance of survival while waiting for EMS.

Current law in Ohio only suggests that schools have AEDs available and says nothing about sports facilities. The cost of an AED is about $1500 and training is between $50-$100. The Ohio Department of Health can help schools and facilities develop their emergency action plans.

HB 47, which received no opposition and wide spread support including letters from the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, several medical and sports groups as well as parents, will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.