Chattanooga, TN – According to the state officials, this legislation mandates the presence of automatic defibrillators in schools and establishes clear protocols for responding to cardiac-related medical emergencies.
Notably, the bill garnered unanimous, bipartisan support in the legislative process.
Under the Smart Heart Act, every public and nonpublic school serving grades nine through twelve must maintain accessible AEDs during school hours and all athletic activities.
Moreover, these schools are required to develop, review, and annually practice emergency action plans specifically tailored for responding to students experiencing cardiac arrests or other life-threatening injuries during athletic endeavors.
Additionally, the legislation mandates that relevant personnel, including coaches, receive training in CPR and AED usage, both on and off the field.
During the signing ceremony, Governor Lee was joined by prominent supporters of the Smart Heart Act, including representatives from the National Football League, the American Heart Association, and other members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, alongside members of the General Assembly. This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to prioritizing student safety and well-being in Tennessee schools.