Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone with a heart condition. This petition focuses primarily on the youth under the age of 21 and the educational institutions which they attend. Although athletes are the primary victims in this age group SCD does happen suddenly to all youth and when it does all families, friends, schools and communities suffer when a preventable loss occurs.  Medical experts feel a solution that will minimize the incidents of Sudden Cardiac Death are mandating and providing educational institutions with Automatic Electronic Defibrillators on all campuses and at school sponsored events.  This device is key in the  survival/death of someone experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The availability of these devices should be made accessible in schools and school-sponsored athletic events. This change will increase survival rates of an individual by 80% and will prevent unnecessary loses of life.

 EXPANDED LOOK AT THE PROPOSED CHANGE 

Purpose of Petition

Educational Institutions in the State of Texas which receive State funding should be mandated to provide Automatic Electronic Defibrillators in facilities or at events that has the potential for an emergency or cardiac event to occur.

Reason for petition

Implementation of Automatic Electronic Defibrillators in Texas educational institutions

Decision makers

Texas State Board of Education, County and Local school board members, Local and County school athletic faculty, and Local and County community members

Problem

There are an estimated 400,000 deaths among youth below the age of 21 due to cardiac arrest. According to the Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the number one cause of cardiac related fatalities, in youth. Research has shown that Sudden Cardiac Arrest(SCA) is the primary cause of death on school property, with at least one student-athlete being among the statistics between periods of three to four days.  The American Heart Association reports that Sudden Cardiac death accounts for more deaths than Alzheimer's, diabetes, and other accidents combined.  Medical experts feel a solution that may minimize the incidents of Sudden Cardiac Death are providing educational institutions with Automatic Electronic Defibrillators.  This device may be the key to improving the chances of survival of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The availability of these devices should be made accessible in schools and school-sponsored athletic events. 

Who is Affected

This issue affects primarily youth under the age of 21 and is involved in some aspect of athletic sports. Although athletes are the primary victims, families, friends, schools and communities suffer when a loss like this occurs.

Solution

A solution to be considered and that is backed by research is the implementation of allowing Automatic Electronic Defibrillators in educational institutions and all athletic activities and functions. In addition to providing these life-saving devices designated personnel will need to receive important training how the proper use and care of this equipment. This is equipment will be subject to routine and yearly testing.